Gaming Disorder Research Articles

Toward resolving normality-disorder boundary issues in gaming disorder research.

A longstanding challenge in the behavioral addictions field has been determining the point at which gaming involvement becomes clinically significant problematic use. Gaming disorder (GD) and hazardous gaming as recent ICD-11 diagnoses have attracted polarized perspectives due in part to the global popularity of recreational gaming and gaming culture. The broad continuum of gaming can often be perceived differently by different parties, including gamers themselves; what might be seen as regular, harmless, and normative to some, may be considered risky and problematic by others. The ICD-11 guidelines provide some clarity by advising that gaming disorder should not be diagnosed based on persistent gaming alone; that gaming as part of a routine, developing skills, changing mood or relieving boredom, or facilitating social interaction is not sufficient for a diagnosis; and that cultural and peer group norms should be considered in diagnosis. In this paper, we examine gaming normality-disorder boundary issues in the areas of conceptualization, assessment, and interventions. Some examples of thecomplex personal, social, and cultural considerations that arise in gaming diagnoses are provided. We call for researchers in the addiction and health disciplines to grapple with conceptual controversy and conduct the empirical and clinical research needed to ensure that normal recreational gaming is always clearly distinguished from harm and disorder.

The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9-Short Form: longitudinal measurement invariance across a three-year interval

ABSTRACT Objective Internet gaming disorder (IGD) refers to persistent, recurrent, and excessive involvement with computer or video games that cannot be controlled, despite associated problems. Given that it has been relatively stable for several years, questionnaires measuring IGD need to demonstrate measurement invariance (i.e. consistency in its measurement properties when administrated repeatedly over time), to ensure accurate measurement over time. This longitudinal study examined invariance of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9-Short Form (IGDS9-SF5), which measures Internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria. Method Participants were recruited from English speaking countries (e.g. Australia, USA, UK and Canada). A total of 276 adults (mean age = 31.86 years; SD = 9.94; males = 71%) provided responses to an online survey (including demographic questions and the IGDS9-SF) at three time points one year apart (2020/21/22). Results When the chi-square difference (∆χ2) test was applied, the results supported configural invariance, full metric invariance, error variances, and invariance for all structural components (latent variances and covariances). However, scalar invariance was not observed for three item intercepts (tolerance, preoccupation, and giving up other activities). For all three items, the scores were higher at time 1 than time 2 and time 3. Conclusion The findings indicate that IGDS9-SF observed scores across yearly intervals are generally free from scaling and measurement biases, making them reliable for monitoring the progression of IGD symptoms and evaluating clinical treatment effects over time.

The co-occurrence between symptoms of internet gaming disorder, depression, and anxiety in middle and late adolescence: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

Although there is a growing awareness of the co-occurrence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) with other mental health problems, the specific patterns of how these symptoms interact over time, especially across different age groups, remain unclear. The current study utilizes cross-lagged panel network modeling (CLPN) to investigate the dynamic, longitudinal relationships among symptoms of IGD, depression and anxiety among adolescents across time, and how these connections change with different developmental stages. A total of 3296 middle and late adolescents who have finished 3-time points research were included in the present study. Significant differences were found between middle and late adolescents in the structures and strengths of the contemporaneous and longitudinal networks. For middle adolescents, symptoms tended to predict subsequent symptoms within the same disorder. However, late adolescents showed a stronger trend of symptoms being interconnected across comorbid conditions. Feelings of worthlessness &hopelessness were the most impactful symptoms for middle adolescents in the short term and they continued to significantly affect late adolescents in the long term. In addition, restless and suicide or self-harm were the most important bridge symptoms for middle and late adolescents, separately. This study emphasizes the importance of developing targeted intervention strategies focusing on both central and bridging symptoms of the comorbid conditions of IGD, depression, and anxiety in adolescence. Recognizing distinct adolescents’ needs, interventions should be tailored to effectively address the unique challenges at different developmental stages.

Prevalence and impact of Internet Gaming Disorder: A population-based study

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has emerged as a significant public health concern, yet not enough is known about its prevalence among the general population as well as its relationship to well-being, mental health, specifically depression and anxiety, and gaming genres. This study aimed to address these questions. The research was conducted on a representative sample of the Croatian general population including 4,994 participants, aged between 15 and 64 years (M = 40.75, SD = 15.49). The Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test, Mental Health Inventory-5, Personal Well-being Index, Gaming time and Game Genres Preferences were used. The prevalence of the IGD in the general population of Croatia, aged 15-64 years, was estimated at 0.48%, 95% CI [0.30%, 1%], and among video game players (N = 1,239) at 1.63%, 95% CI [1.11%, 3%]. The highest prevalence was observed among young males. IGD showed the strongest relationship with depression, and weaker relationships with anxiety and well-being. Among the individual criteria, negative consequences for significant relationships, deception and escape had the strongest, while tolerance, loss of control and withdrawal had the weakest relationship to depression, anxiety and well-being, in a relative sense. Sports games and casual games players had lower risk for IGD, while other genres did not differ in their risk for IGD. Online and offline games did not differ in their risk for IGD. This study has shown that IGD has a relatively low prevalence among the general population and video game players, and that not all IGD criteria are equally relevant. Future longitudinal studies and studies on clinical samples are needed.

Digital Game Addiction and Peer Interaction: The Role of Parents’ Education Levels

This study investigates the impact of digital game addiction on peer play behaviors and social skills in early childhood, focusing on parents' education levels. Using a sample of 405 participants from Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, the study employs the Digital Game Addiction Tendency Scale and the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (Parent Form). Significant negative correlations were found between the sub-dimensions of disconnection from life and conflict in the Digital Game Addiction Scale and play interaction, indicating that increased digital game addiction tendencies correspond to decreased positive peer play behaviors. No direct correlation was observed between the continuous play and reflection in life dimensions of digital game addiction and peer play interaction. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing digital and peer play experiences for children’s social development. Additionally, it explores how parental education levels influence these dynamics, providing insights and recommendations for families, educators, and policymakers to monitor digital game use and promote balanced play activities. This research adds to the growing literature on digital game addiction and its implications for early childhood development, highlighting the critical role of parental education.

Internet Gaming Addiction or Online Social Networking Addiction? Evidence from Chinese Adolescents Facing Parental Phubbing

Internet Gaming Addiction or Online Social Networking Addiction? Evidence from Chinese Adolescents Facing Parental Phubbing

Identifying Struggling Students: Exploring Student Factors Such as Gaming Addiction Which Lead to Grade Retention and Other Challenges

This study is part of a Capstone project developed during an immersion phase in Orange County, Florida, and explores the impact of excessive technology use, specifically gaming addiction, on student behavior and academic performance. Observations from eight years of teaching and two years of counseling in Saudi middle schools revealed that students exhibiting disruptive behaviors often had excessive engagement with electronic devices. The project employed workshops and surveys to raise awareness about video game addiction and its associated symptoms, such as depression, social isolation, and strained relationships with parents and teachers. The study incorporated qualitative and quantitative data from parents and school counselors to propose strategies aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering student engagement and success. Key findings indicated the pressing need for targeted interventions to address gaming addiction among students. By leveraging insights from the immersion phase and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, the study presents innovative approaches to support Saudi students in overcoming technology-related challenges. These findings underscore the potential for sustainable educational improvements through practical and evidence-based solutions.

Impact of distress and anxiety due to COVID-19 on digital addictions in university students in the third wave period

Abstract Background Digital addictions are a major problem worldwide, which has increased considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scenario, two important impact factors to explain this problem are stress and anxiety because of COVID-19. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of distress and anxiety due to COVID-19 on digital addictions. Methods cross-sectional, explanatory study. A total of 802 students from public and private universities residing in the city of Lima and Callao (Peru), with a mean age of 21.68 (SD = 3.11), selected by convenience sampling, participated in the study. The MULTICAGE CAD-4 questionnaire, the distress scale, and the anxiety scale by COVID-19 were applied. Results two models examined with structural equation modeling showed good fit indices (CFI and TLI > .95, RMSEA and SRMR < .06). The first model shows that the latent variables distress and anxiety due to COVID-19 have direct effects on digital addictions as a general construct (R2 = 22%). The second model shows that the exogenous latent variables (stress and anxiety) have direct effects of different magnitudes on each digital technology, so the variance explained on smartphone addiction was higher (R2 = 25%) with respect to internet (R2 = 19%) and video game addiction (R2 = 6%). It was also found that for every male, there are two females with high levels of distress and anxiety. Regarding the problematic use of smartphones and internet, there is a prevalence of 40% regardless of sex; but as for the problematic use of video games, there is a marked difference between males (18.8%) and females (2.7%). Conclusion the distress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 have a direct impact in aggravating digital addictions.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL: MEDIATING EFFECT OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND ONLINE SHOPPING MOTIVATION ON MMO PLAYERS' WILLINGNESS TO PAY MORE

This study aims to investigate the effect of MMO players' addiction levels on their willingness to pay. It examines this effect by mediating online shopping motivation and customer engagement variables. The impact of environmental factors on willingness to pay, even when the level of dependency remains fixed, has been investigated with online shopping motivation and customer engagement. We collected data on the attitudes and perceptions of online game participants through a questionnaire. Data suitable for the study were obtained from 772 people. According to this sample size, the power of the study was calculated as 96.5%. After the participants' demographics were explained, the analyses were performed with SEM. The results confirm that willingness to pay is affected by the level of online game addiction. Among online shopping motivations, early adoption, stimulation-seeking, and customer engagement variables, both separately and together, increase consumers' willingness to pay. This paper provides a clear view on behaviour of an increasing number of online gamers by examining the purchasing and payment behaviour of MMO players.

A Comprehensive Review of Psychosocial, Academic, and Psychological Issues Faced by University Students in India.

University students confront a wide range of issues during their pursuit of education. Understanding these issues is essential for developing effective treatments and support systems. This study aims to delineate the landscape of scholarly literature pertaining to psychosocial, academic, and psychological issues among university students. It further identifies key journals and publishing trends within the fields, thereby significantly contributing to this domain. Additionally, this study outlines the scientific field networks that offer theoretical and conceptual foundations for exploring the psychosocial, academic, and psychological challenges faced by university students. Furthermore, it also intends to systematically categorise various types of problems encountered by university students in India. To systematically gather and investigate the problems encountered by students in higher education, this study utilises bibliometric analysis, highlighting topics related to mental health. Data were extracted from Scopus and Web of Sciences databases. The analysis of the literature yielded 12 overarching categories related to challenges faced by university students: stress, academic stress, depression, anxiety, internet/ smartphone addiction/ gaming disorder, low self-esteem, loneliness, insomnia, suicidal ideations, eating disorders, drug addiction, adjustment issues. Academic institutions should prioritise student mental health, as it affects academic performance and can lead to psychological disorders. Universities need Guidance and Counselling Cells staffed with professionals to help students manage psychosocial, academic, and psychological challenges.

Mediating roles of weight stigma and physical activity avoidance in the associations between severity of gaming disorder and levels of physical activity among young adults.

There are limited data regarding associations between gaming disorder and physical activity (PA). The present study investigated the direct association between these two variables and assessed the potentially mediating roles of PA avoidance and two types of weight stigma (i.e., internalized weight stigma and perceived weight stigma) in the association. An online cross-sectional survey that assessed PA avoidance, two types of weight stigma, and PA level was completed in late 2023 by 884 Taiwanese young adults aged between 20 and 40 years (63.9% females). Multinomial logistic regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to assess the associations between variables and perform the mediation analysis. Cognitive behavioral symptoms and negative consequences related to gaming disorder were more common among participants with lower PA than those with moderate to high PA. Individuals at risk of gaming disorder exhibited higher level of PA avoidance, internalized weight stigma, and perceived weight stigma. The SEM found a direct association between gaming disorder and PA, which was negatively mediated by PA avoidance. However, this direct effect was not present when the association was negatively mediated by serial mediations of weight stigma and PA avoidance. Higher gaming disorder was associated with higher levels of PA, but this association may not be present when taking into account the mediation effect of weight stigma and PA avoidance. The findings suggest complex relationships and further research is needed to examine individual differences and relationships among clinical groups.

Interaction effect of mobile gaming addiction and excessive sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on overweight and obesity among schoolchildren: Evidence from a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China.

To explore the individual and interactive associations between mobile gaming addiction (MGA), excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and overweight/obesity among schoolchildren, and to investigate whether these interactions vary by gender or grade level. Data were drawn from the Children's Growth Environment, Lifestyle, and Physical and Mental Health Development project (COHERENCE) conducted in Guangzhou, China, during the 2019/20 academic year. 418,197 children aged 6-12 years were included in the study. All participants were asked to complete an eligible questionnaire to provide details of their MGA over the past three months and SSBs consumption over the past week. Multiplicative and additive interaction models were performed to evaluate the interaction effects of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption on overweight/obesity, and variations by gender and grade level were also examined. Excessive SSBs consumption was identified as a risk factor for childhood overweight/obesity, but MGA was not. However, the combination of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. This multiplicative interaction was significantly stronger in girls than in boys, with no differences observed across grade levels. Additionally, the additive interaction effect between MGA and excessive SSBs consumption was present only in girls and children in the lower elementary grades. This cross-sectional study found that the combination of MGA and excessive SSBs consumption is linked to an increased risk of childhood overweight/obesity, particularly in girls and children in lower elementary grades. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these factors together in targeted interventions.

The Difficulties in Finding the Relevant Associations between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and the Incidence of Suicide-Related Ideation and Behaviors in College Students.

The Difficulties in Finding the Relevant Associations between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and the Incidence of Suicide-Related Ideation and Behaviors in College Students.

Gaming time and impulsivity as independent yet complementary predictors of gaming disorder risk

Prolonged gaming time, along with increased impulsivity—a key element of poor self-regulation—has been identified as linked to gaming disorder. Despite existing studies in this field, the relationship between impulsivity and gaming time remains poorly understood. The present study explored the connections between impulsivity, measured both by self-report and behavioral assessments, gaming time and gaming disorder within a cohort of 82 participants. While gaming time exhibited a significant correlation with gaming disorder, only self-reported measures of impulsivity and one behavioral metric showed a correlation with gaming disorder. Self-report measures of impulsivity exclusively predicted gaming disorder when included in a regression model with gaming time. The interaction between gaming time and impulsivity, aside from one behavioral metric was deemed insignificant. These findings suggest that impulsivity and gaming time, although associated with gaming disorder risk, are independent variables. Further research should aim to clarify these relationships and explore potential interventions targeting both DGI and impulsivity to mitigate gaming disorder risk.

Влияние видеоигр на эмоциональное состояние игроков: обзор современных исследований

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents a theoretical review of modern research dedicated to the problem of the influence of video games on the emotional state of players. Despite the large number of works in this area, their results are quite contradictory, therefore, an analysis of meta-analytical data is necessary, as well as a detailed consideration of various factors influencing the effect. It has been shown that there is evidence for negative effects of video games on various indicators of emotional state, evidence for positive effects and evidence for the absence of effects. The effect depends on various additional factors — individual personality traits of the player, the genre of the game, the amount of time spent playing video games, and many others. It is revealed that in some cases, contradictions in the results of empirical studies are explained by the influence of these factors, in particular, the genre of the game has a significant impact, as well as the presence of video game addiction. We also reviewed meta-analytical works that confirmed the positive effect of educational video games on the development of emotional self-regulation skills, therapy for symptoms of autism and depression. Formulating reliable clear conclusions about the presence and magnitude of the effect of entertainment genres of games is still difficult due to the lack of modern meta-analyses.</p>

The Role of Social Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Assertiveness Levels in Online Game Addiction Among Nursing Students: A Structural Equation Modeling

The Role of Social Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Assertiveness Levels in Online Game Addiction Among Nursing Students: A Structural Equation Modeling

Prefrontal cortex responses to game rewards and losses in individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder: Insights from fNIRS during mobile gameplay.

This study aimed to explore the brain activity characteristics of individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) during mobile gameplay, focusing on neural responses to positive and negative game events. The findings may enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure hemodynamic responses (HbO/HbR) in the prefrontal cortex of both IGD participants and recreational gaming users (RGU), during solo and multiplayer mobile gameplay. In solo mode, IGD participants exhibited stronger activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC), frontopolar area (FPA), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to positive events compared to RGU. Negative events led to reduced activation in the FPA among IGD participants. In multiplayer mode, IGD participants displayed lower activation in the dLPFC and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vLPFC), although overall brain response trends to positive and negative events were similar between IGD and RGU. This study suggests that individuals with IGD exhibit heightened sensitivity to rewards and diminished sensitivity to losses, along with potential impairments in the executive control network. These results contribute to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms of IGD and offer insights for developing targeted interventions aimed at addressing abnormal reward and loss processing.

From healthy play to gaming disorder: Psychological profiles from emotional regulation and motivational factors.

The widespread popularity of video games reflects their appeal to meet fundamental needs. This study aims to investigate the psychological factors of gaming use, identifying profiles ranging from healthy to gaming disorder. In this cross-sectional study, 5,222 participants were surveyed. This international sample included adolescents and adults (16-69 years, M=25.6 years, SD = 6.44), 48.66% men (n = 2,541; M = 26.4, SD = 7.03), 42.32% women (n = 2,210; M = 25.1, SD = 5.78), and 9.02% non-binary individuals (n = 471; M = 23.3, SD = 5.23), spanning from casual gamers to esports professional players. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed toidentify distinct psychological profiles. The profile indicators included emotional regulation and motivations for playing video games. The profile correlates analysed included gaming disorder symptoms, time spent gaming and sociodemographics. The LPA revealed four profiles labelled as avoidant (20.16%), engaged (38.95%), relational (26.01%), and dysregulated (15.78%). Results suggested that the dysregulated profile had the most emotional regulation difficulties, a low level of general motivation, and less interest in recreational gaming, presenting the highest risk for gaming disorder. This study's findings present the first profiles encompassing key detailed psychological factors affecting gamers' behaviour across all game genres, considering three genders. These profiles can aid researchers and clinicians in developing further research on targeted prevention and intervention programs tailored to each profile's characteristics to promote healthy gaming habits and mitigate the risks and harm associated with gaming disorder.

Video Game Structural Features Are Related to Internet Gaming Disorder and Motivations of Play: Design and Validation of the Video Game Structure Scale (VGSS)

Video Game Structural Features Are Related to Internet Gaming Disorder and Motivations of Play: Design and Validation of the Video Game Structure Scale (VGSS)

Cross-Lagged Analysis of Gender Differences in the Motivation-Cognition-Behavior Model of Gaming Disorder in Primary School Students

Abstract The motivation-cognition-behavior model elucidates the intricate psychological mechanisms that contribute to gaming disorder (GD). To test this new model, the present study employed cross-lagged analysis to investigate the reciprocal relationships among academic stress, gaming flow, maladaptive gaming cognition (MGC), and GD symptoms at two time points, 3 months apart. The participants were 600 Chinese students (52% male; M age = 9.95) from four primary schools in Hong Kong. The multi-group analysis showed significant gender differences. For girls, there were one linear relationship (MGC to academic stress) and two reciprocal relationships (MGC and GD symptoms, MGC and gaming flow). For boys, there were four linear relationships (MGC to gaming flow, GD symptoms to MGC, gaming flow to academic stress, and academic stress to MGC) but no reciprocal relationships. These findings highlight the complex mechanisms underlying GD development among children, and the importance of considering gender-specific factors in intervention design for this age group.