Gaming Disorder Research Articles

Common Genetic Influence on the Relationship Between Gaming Addiction and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Adults: A Twin Study.

Although the relationship between gaming addiction (GA) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well established, the causal mechanism of this relationship remains ambiguous. We aimed to investigate whether common genetic and/or environmental factors explain the GA-ADHD relationship. We recruited 1413 South Korean adult twins (837 monozygotic [MZ], 326 same-sex dizygotic [DZ], and 250 opposite-sex DZ twins; mean age = 23.1 ± 2.8 years) who completed an online survey on GA and related traits. Correlational analysis and bivariate model-fitting analysis were conducted. Phenotypic correlation between GA and ADHD in the present sample was 0.55 (95% CI [0.51, 0.59]). Bivariate model-fitting analysis revealed that genetic variances were 69% (95% CI [64%, 73%]) and 68% (95% CI [63%, 72%]) for ADHD and GA respectively. The remaining variances (ADHD: 31%; GA: 32%) were associated with nonshared environmental variances, including measurement error. Genetic and nonshared environmental correlations between ADHD and GA were 0.68 (95% CI [0.62, 0.74]) and 0.22 (95% CI [0.13, 0.30]) respectively, which indicates that shared genes can explain 82% of the phenotypic correlation between ADHD and GA. Our study demonstrated that the ADHD-GA association was largely due to shared genetic vulnerability.

Exploring the Relationship Between Online Gaming Addiction, Core Muscle Endurance, and Reaction Time in Adolescents

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between online gaming addiction, core muscle endurance, and reaction time in adolescents. Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive-correlational study and was conducted with 67 adolescents who play online games daily. The Online Gaming Addiction Scale, core muscle endurance tests, and hand and foot reaction time tests were performed. Results: The overall score of the Online Gaming Addiction Scale was 64.79±17.38, which corresponds as moderate negative reflections on the individual's life. A statistically significant difference was observed in online gaming addiction (p

Recurrence of internet gaming disorder in Korean adolescents: a 24-month follow-up study.

Many adolescents use internet games, and some of them experience psychological and social difficulties due to excessive gaming. Although there have been many studies on the onset and associated factors of internet gaming disorder (IGD) , research focusing specifically on its relapse is scarce. Considering that addictive disorders often have a chronic course with frequent relapse, this study prospectively observed adolescents from the general population to explore IGD recurrence rate and associated factors of recurrence. In this prospective cohort study, from 1587 middle school gaming users, 1452 (91.5%) were followed up at 12months and 24months. The results showed that the cumulative recurrence rate of IGD was 16.1%, which was higher than the initial incidence rate of 3.6%; the adjusted incidence rate ratio was 2.43 with 95% CI 1.21-4.87 (P = 0.012). In addition, starting internet gaming before entering primary school was associated with a higher risk of relapse (P = 0.004). Limiting internet gaming for children before they enter primary school may reduce the risk of relapse of IGD that they may encounter during their adolescent years.

Hubungan Kecanduan Game Online dengan Keterampilan Sosial Siswa

This research is motivated by the low social skills of students caused by online game addiction. Ideally, the lower the addiction to online games in students who use online games, the higher the social skills. However, it can still be found that students experience online game addiction, which affects their social skills in interacting with others. This study aims to determine the relationship between online game addiction and the social skills of students who use online games. This research uses quantitative methods with correlational research types. The sample in this study was 65 students selected using purposive sampling technique. The data were processed using descriptive analysis techniques and Pearson product moment correlation analysis. The results showed that students' online game addiction was in the high category with a percentage (38.5%), the social skills of online game users were in the low category with a percentage (35.4%) and there was a significant and negative relationship between online game addiction and social skills in online game users with a correlation value of r count of -0.348 with a significance level of <0.04 at a weak level of relationship.

The relationship between chronotype video game addiction and sleep quality in school-age children: A structural equation modeling approach

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronotype, video game addiction, and sleep quality in school-age children using structural equation modeling. It was performed using structural equation modeling, with 545 secondary school students in northern Turkey meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews utilizing the Personal Information Form, the Morningness Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC), the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children (VASC), and the Sleep Quality Scale. The findings revealed that the average video game addiction score of children was 55.22, which was associated with poor sleep quality and efficiency. Additionally, chronotype was found to mediate the relationship between video game addiction and both sleep quality (β = 0.024; p < 0.001) and sleep efficiency (β = −0.068; p < 0.001). The model was found to be close to acceptable levels for the variables according to the fit indices.

Association between Internet Game Addiction and Social Anxiety Symptoms among Adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Internet Gaming Addiction (IGA) can have a significant impact on the characteristics of individual gamers and may even be a contributing factor to the development of social anxiety symptoms. This study of adolescent Saudi Arabian Internet gamers examined the influences of Internet gaming time and probable Internet Gaming Disorders (IGDs). It investigated the association between Internet game addiction and social anxiety symptoms among them. Methodology: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to June of 2023 among adolescents in the Saudi population. Probable IGD was measured by using the DSM-5 checklist, and the Arabic version of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to evaluate social phobia or anxiety. Result: A total of 764 participants enrolled in the current study, 52% of whom were females, and 48% were males. 42% belonged to the age group 17-18, and 38% were 15-16. 44.8% of participants have a gaming addiction. There was a significant association between social phobia and gaming addiction (p-value ≤0.05). There was a significant association of social phobia with age and gender (p-value≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings imply a significant correlation between IGA and psychological concerns, particularly among male adolescents. Excessive internet gaming use leads to higher levels of social anxiety.

Decoding and modifying dynamic attentional bias in gaming disorder.

With the spread of smartphones and computer games, concerns have escalated regarding the rising prevalence of gaming disorder. Patients often display attentional biases, unconsciously turning their attention towards gaming-related stimuli. However, attempts to discover and ameliorate these attentional deficits have yielded inconsistent outcomes, potentially due to the dynamic nature of attentional bias. This study investigated neural mechanisms underlying attentional bias state by combining neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging -fMRI) with an approach-avoidance task tailored to an individual's gaming preference. We conducted a multivariate pattern analysis of endogenous brain activity in 21 participants with probable gaming disorder. Our analyses revealed that activity patterns in the insula tracked temporal attentional bias states specific to gaming stimuli. A broad network of frontal and parietal regions instead appeared to predict a general temporal attentional bias state. Finally, we conducted a proof-of-concept study for 'just-in-time' attentional bias training through fMRI-decoded neurofeedback of insula activity patterns, named decoded attentional bias training (DecABT). Our preliminary results suggest that DecABT may help to decrease the attractiveness of gaming stimuli via a insula- and precuneus-based neural mechanism. This work provides new evidence for the insula as an endogenous regulator of attentional bias states in gaming disorder and a starting point to develop novel, individualized therapeutic approaches to treat addiction.This article is part of the theme issue 'Neurofeedback: new territories and neurocognitive mechanisms of endogenous neuromodulation'.

Exploring Gender Differences in Internet Addiction and Psychological Factors: A Study in a Spanish Sample

Background/Objectives: Internet addiction (IA) and related behaviors, such as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and social media addiction (SMA), have gained increasing research attention. Studies show gender differences, with males more likely to develop gaming-related addictions and females more prone to social media and phubbing behaviors. This study aimed to explore gender differences in Internet addiction and related behaviors in a Spanish sample, with the goal of identifying predictors and gender-specific patterns of IA. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 585 participants (265 male, 320 female) aged 18 to 35 years (M = 22.11, SD = 3.08). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires to assess IA, IGD, SMA, phubbing, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), emotional dysregulation, personality traits, and prosociality. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify gender-specific predictors of IA. Results: Males exhibited significantly higher scores for IA and IGD, while females showed higher scores for SMA and the “phone obsession” dimension of phubbing. No significant gender differences were found in the “communication disturbance” dimension of phubbing or in FoMO. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between IA and psychological as well as technological variables. Gender-specific predictors of IA included social media engagement and emotional regulation for females, while gaming behaviors and communication patterns were more relevant for males. Conclusions: These findings highlight gender differences in IA, suggesting that tailored interventions should address unique online behaviors and emotional regulation challenges in males and females. Future research should refine gender-specific patterns to develop more effective, targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

The gaming disorder test and gaming disorder scale for adolescents: translation and validation among Vietnamese young adults

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A) have promising validity and reliability when assessing symptoms of gaming disorder among young adults. However, validity and reliability properties of the two scales have not been established among a Vietnamese population.ObjectiveThe present study translated the GDT and GADIS-A into Vietnamese and examined their factor structures, measurement invariance, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and divergent validity among university students.MethodsA total of 610 young adults (mean age = 21.09 years; 63.4% females) were recruited using convenience sampling and who completed a paper-and-pencil survey between April and June 2023. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire, GDT, GADIS-A, and six standardized scales related to gaming disorder, social media addiction, smartphone addiction, and psychological distress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency testing, and Pearson’s correlations were performed.ResultsCFA showed that the GDT had a one-factor structure and the GADIS-A had a two-factor structure. The internal consistency was excellent for both scales among this population. Moreover, both GDT and GADIS-A showed convergent, concurrent, and divergent validity with other standardized scales.ConclusionThe Vietnamese versions of the GDT and GADIS-A have good psychometrics, which may be utilized in future research regarding gaming disorder among Vietnamese populations.

Online Game Addiction Behavior in Generation Z

This research aimed to analyze online game addiction behavior in generation Z, who were increasingly involved in the use of digital technology. Online game addiction had caused various negative impacts, especially on mental, physical and social health, such as aggressiveness, decreased motivation to learn, social isolation and emotional disorders. This research used a literature review method by examining the results of previous research in the period 2015-2024. The research results showed that online game addiction affected individuals, both in urban and rural settings, with reduced youth participation in social and academic activities. However, besides negative impacts, online games also had several positive benefits if used wisely, such as improving technological skills, mastery of foreign languages, and the ability to focus and concentrate. This research suggested the need for appropriate intervention strategies to minimize the negative impacts while maximizing the positive benefits of online games among generation Z

On (Possible) Traumatic Language of Video Games - Adults' Perspective

This study explores adults' perspectives on the potential traumatic language encountered in video games. It follows a prior investigation into the gamers' viewpoints on aggressive language within gaming environments. The research identifies aggressive language as a significant phenomenon that can distress users, particularly those without adequate coping mechanisms. Despite the negative aspects, video games are acknowledged for their entertainment value and contribution to social and communicative skill development, provided these environments are properly regulated. The current study addresses the escalating issue of video game addiction, especially among teenagers, signalling the associated behavioural, mental health, and social consequences. It delves into the elements that contribute to gaming addiction, such as escapism, reward systems, and social interactions within games. The research employs a questionnaire distributed to 54 adults, including parents, teachers, and psychologists, to measure their views on the impact of aggressive language in video games on children's development. Findings indicate that while many adults recognise the developmental benefits of video games, there is significant concern over the aggressive language children are exposed to, which can influence their real-life behaviour and language use. The study highlights the importance of parental monitoring and proactive engagement to mitigate the harmful effects of aggressive language in video games. It calls for comprehensive strategies, including stricter regulatory measures and educational interventions, to foster a safer and more beneficial gaming environment for young players.

Vitality structures in ‘addictive’ game design

For decades, research on technology use and mental health has been based on the assumption that identifiable structures of ‘design’ are psychologically relevant for their users. This has been central especially for the nosological emergence of ‘behavioural addictions’, which currently include two formal diagnoses on technology use: problems related to playing gambling games (gambling disorder) and videogames (gaming disorder). Alas, the research on identifying ‘addictive’ design structures has suffered from major construct validity issues. To make progress over those issues, I draw from the history of ‘vitality affects’ in psychiatry and introduce vitality structures as a design-phenomenological framework that can help researchers conceptualise psychologically relevant ‘bonds’ between entities of game design and corresponding player phenomenology. Vitality structures are not natural kinds to be discovered but pragmatic constructs to be used—and useful as long as they communicate what is both identifiable and empirically prevalent. As a demonstration of practice, I propose working conceptualisations of three vitality structures, which surface in videogames played by gaming treatment-seekers. Systematic research programs for identifying relevant vitality structures can lead to construct-valid and replicable design effects.

Role models in gaming: Wishful identification and maladaptive daydreaming mediate the association between desire for fame and game engagement

BackgroundThe popularity of video games has considerably increased in recent years, with approximately 3.24 billion players worldwide in 2021. Empirical evidence suggests that the quality of engagement in video games can determine whether a gaming activity is associated with psychological distress (i.e., problematic gaming) or self-enhancing outcomes (i.e., esports career pursuits). This study investigates the role of influential gaming role models and other external factors relating to fame appeal in gamers' different ways of engagement. MethodsA total of 803 adolescent and adult gamers (89.29 % male, Mage = 24.90 years, SD = 6.13) were recruited through an online questionnaire. ResultsA path analysis was constructed demonstrating that wishful identification partially mediated the relationship between desire for fame and esports career planning. Moreover, maladaptive daydreaming fully mediated the association between desire for fame and gaming disorder symptoms. Wishful identification with gaming role models predicted both esports career planning and gaming disorder symptoms. ConclusionsThe findings shed light on the importance of considering the role of gaming role models in predicting healthy and problematic gaming patterns.

Glutamate concentration of medial prefrontal cortex is inversely associated with addictive behaviors: a translational study

In both preclinical and clinical settings, dysregulated frontostriatal circuits have been identified as the underlying neural substrates of compulsive seeking/taking behaviors manifested in substance use disorders and behavioral addictions including internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the neurochemical substrates for these disorders remain elusive. The lack of comprehensive cognitive assessments in animal models has hampered our understanding of neural plasticity in addiction from these models. In this study, combining data from a rat model of compulsive taking/seeking and human participants with various levels of IGD severity, we investigated the relationship between regional glutamate (Glu) concentration and addictive behaviors. We found that Glu levels were significantly lower in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) of rats after 20-days of methamphetamine self-administration (SA), compared to controls. Glu concentration after a punishment phase negatively correlated with acute drug-seeking behavior. In addition, changes in Glu levels from a drug naïve state to compulsive drug taking patterns negatively correlated with drug-seeking during both acute and prolonged abstinence. The human data revealed a significant negative correlation between Glu concentration in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), the human PrL counterpart, and symptoms of IGD. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between Glu levels in the dACC and self-control, as well as mindful awareness. Further analysis revealed that the dACC Glu concentration mediated the relationship between self-control/mindful awareness and IGD symptoms. These results provide convergent evidence for a protective role of dACC/PrL in addiction, suggesting interventions to enhance dACC glutamatergic functions as a potential strategy for addiction prevention and treatment.

Devoted or addicted?Modeling gaming addiction in eSports

eSports is enjoyed by many gamers worldwide; however, gaming addiction poses a serious challenge for eSports users and society. This study employs social learning theory (SLT) as an overarching theory to examine how eSports consumption can lead to addiction and identify users who are at higher risk of developing addictive behavior. We employed a face-to-face survey of 230 Brazilian eSports users to develop and test a model of gaming addiction in eSports, which was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings revealed positive and significant relationships between eSports athlete role model influence and user devotion, user devotion and gaming addiction, and gaming addiction and guilt. Furthermore, the relationship between eSports athletes role model influence and guilt is sequentially mediated by user devotion and gaming addiction, and users with lower (higher) levels of competitiveness are more (less) at risk of addiction. This is the first study to provide a consumer psychology perspective on user behavior that offers novel insights into the interplay between eSports athletes role model influence, user devotion, and competitiveness in driving addictive behavior. Importantly, the findings reveal the significant role of competitiveness in buffering against gaming addiction. Theoretically, our model, underpinned by SLT, demonstrates that the social environment, personal factors, and gaming addiction itself are reciprocally related to each other in determining addictive behavior. This conceptualization implies that interventions targeting one factor impact all other factors as gaming addiction is continually evolving in response to changes in the environment and the user.

Polymorphic variants of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 (rs6277, rs1800497) in adolescents with problematic video game use

Problematic video games use, as a specific form of problematic Internet use, is widespread among adolescents and can have negative effects on their mental and somatic well-being. An increasing incidence of addictive video gaming, as well as the overuse of the Internet, among the young population makes the current study of susceptibility factors, including the genetic component, relevant. There has been a number of investigations related to the involvement of gene variants of the neurotransmitter system in the development of Internet addiction, with the results being different for various ethnic groups. The dopamine type 2 receptor gene (DRD2) is one of the candidate genes for susceptibility to video game addiction. The aim of the work was to study polymorphic variants of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 (rs6277, rs1800497) in Russian adolescents with problematic use of computer video games. A sampling of 407 adolescents aged 14.1±1.8 years was tested, of which 56 (13.8 %) were identified as having problems with the pathological use of video games use based on the GASA scale results. Boys in the sample proved to be addicted to video games more than girls (p = 0.041). As a result of comparing the allele frequency of DRD2 (rs6277), a tendency to a higher frequency of the minor allele T was revealed in the group of adolescents with problematic video game use compared with adolescents without problematic video game use (i. e. 0.563 and 0.466, respectively, p = 0.06). When using the dominant inheritance model, it was revealed that adolescents with problematic use of video games were statistically significantly more likely to carry the T (CT+TT) allele (p = 0.04, OR = 2.14, CI = 1.01–4.53). The T allele DRD2 (rs6277) is associated with low expression of the dopamine receptor D2 and leads to decreasing the density and affinity of extrastriatal dopamine type 2 receptors, which is associated with impaired social communication as well. We suggest that the presence of CT and TT genotypes of rs6277 DRD2 may be a potential risk factor for developing problematic video game use in adolescents.

Family-Centered Treatment Program for Problematic Gaming and Excessive Screen Use in a Clinical Child and Youth Population (FAME): Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Mixed Method Study.

Screen time among children and adolescents has increased dramatically, raising concerns about its impact on development and mental health. While research highlights both potential benefits and risks, excessive use has been linked to issues like anxiety, depression, and gaming addiction. Despite growing concern, effective interventions are scarce. Recognizing the importance of family dynamics in child development, we propose a family-centered program to address problematic gaming and excessive screen use in a clinical population. By involving both children and parents, we aim to create a more comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment. This study aims to determine the possibility of distributing and evaluating a family-centered group program for problematic gaming and excessive screen use (FAME) in a clinical child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) population. We will monitor the recruitment rate; track the retention and attendance rates of both parents and children; and assess whether each session's objectives are met, the content is delivered within the allotted time, and the necessary resources (eg, facilitators and materials) are available. Additionally, we will gather qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants through postprogram surveys and individual interviews with both children and parents. A total of 10 families with ongoing contact with CAP in Skåne, Sweden, will be recruited and offered participation in a family-centered group program targeting children aged 10-18 years with reported difficulties regarding screen gaming or screen use. The intervention to be tested is a newly developed, family-centered, psychoeducational, cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention addressing both positive and negative aspects of screen use; setting boundaries; the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; conflict triggers; and sleep hygiene. The primary goal of the pilot study is to test the feasibility of the program, as well as recruitment and the analysis of participants' experiences with the program. A total of 11 children and their parents were enrolled during first quarter of 2024. A 4-session pilot was delivered in first quarter of 2024, and the first results are expected in the third quarter of 2024. The overarching goal of this pilot study is to determine the possibility of distributing and evaluating a family-centered group program for problematic gaming and excessive screen use (FAME) in a clinical CAP population. The insights gained from this study will guide our future research, which will focus on conducting a larger-scale evaluation of the intervention's impact on family screen time conflicts and inform future strategies for the implementation of family-centered interventions in child and youth clinics. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06098807; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06098807. DERR1-10.2196/56387.

Who has the greatest influence on adolescent gaming disorder: parents, teachers, or peers? An interpersonal relationships network model of gaming disorder.

Gaming disorder (GD) in adolescents is associated with impaired interpersonal relationships, including those with parents, teachers and peers. However, the interpersonal relationships most strongly associated with GD-related maladaptive behaviors are not well established. This study aimed to investigate the associations between these three types of relationships and the manifestation of GD in adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 1920 Chinese adolescents participated in a survey that assessed interpersonal relationships (parent-child, teacher-student, and peer relationships) and demographic variables (e.g., gender, grade, duration of gaming), and 1414 participants were ultimately included. A network analysis approach was utilized to evaluate the key network metrics of edge weight and node centrality. The findings revealed that peer fear and inferiority (r = 0.12) and teacher-student conflict were most strongly correlated with GD, followed by parent-child conflict (r = 0.09). Peer fear and inferiority exhibited the highest strength centrality (0.84), followed by teacher-student conflict (0.83) and parent-child conflict (0.35). Moreover, the duration of gaming was significantly and positively correlated with GD (r = 0.19). The present study underscores the significant role of conflict and rejection within interpersonal relationships, particularly among peers, in the manifestation of GD-related behaviors in Chinese adolescents.

The Impact of Video Game Addiction on Spinal Health

This study aimed to determine how the level of video game addiction has an effect on thoracic kyphosis curvature in secondary school students. The sample group of the study consisted of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students studying in Çınarcık Firuzan Kınal Primary-Secondary School by deliberate sampling method. The data were collected from 87 students (47 girls, 40 boys) who participated in both the initial and subsequent measurements. The students were selected on the basis of volunteerism and completed the questionnaire questions entirety. The data was collected by using the Personal Information Form, the Video Game Addiction Scale for Children and the flexicurve. The SPSS 21 package programme and the kyphosis index (KI = (TW/TL) x 100) were used to evaluate the data. According to the obtained results, it was determined that video game addiction did not have a statistically significant effect on the kyphosis index in children, the addiction scores of children who participated in recreational activities (p=0.01

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.