Problematic Video Game Use Research Articles

Thinking more broadly about policy responses to problematic video game use: A response to Király etal. (2018).

Király et al. (2018) did an excellent job of reviewing policies that are undertaken to prevent and respond to problematic video game use. I argue that there has been a failure of imagination when considering public policy – generally, we only think of governmental or legislative policies. This paper identifies several other ways we could consider public policy, providing examples of some that have already been enacted and suggesting others that could be, all without governmental intervention. These types of policies may not only be more practical, but also be more effective.

Physical activity, Mediterranean diet, maximal oxygen uptake and motivational climate towards sports in schoolchildren from the province of Granada: a structural equation model

the school stage represents a period of risk in the development of habits such as sedentary digital leisure, which favours future pathologies such as obesity. The practice of Physical Activity and the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) allows its prevention, being essential to promote motivational climates in sport that support a healthy lifestyle. the present study was carried out in a sample of 692 schoolchildren from the province of Granada. This research aims to develop a structural equation model that allows to analyse the relationships between motivational climate, healthy habits and maximal oxygen uptake. The main instruments used were the PMCSQ-2, KIDMED, PAQ-C and CERV. the results show a direct relationship between the practice of PA, Task Climate and Ego Climate. PA was positively correlated with the use of videogames and maximum oxygen uptake. The problematic use of video games was positively associated with Ego Climate and negatively related to the level of adherence to the MD. Finally, Ego Climate was positively related to the level of adherence to MD. the practice of PA oriented to Task Climate promotes a lifestyle more active, which improves the maximal oxygen uptake, reduces the sedentary digital leisure and is associated to a better dietary pattern. The ego-oriented goals also is associated with the quality of the diet, revealing the need to promote a physical-sports practice that favours intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.

Pattern of video game use in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and typical development.

Video game playing is a favorite leisure activity among children worldwide. Individuals with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often lack self-control, making them at risk for substance abuse and game addiction. There are conflicting results, however, between studies on the pattern of video gaming and game addiction between those with ADHD and healthy controls. We therefore compared the pattern of video game use and game addiction between Thai children with ADHD and healthy controls. A total of 80 participants with ADHD (median age, 9.5years) and 102 controls (median age, 10years) were recruited in this study. ADHD was diagnosed by a developmental pediatrician. Each control subject's teacher completed the ADHD questionnaire to ensure that they did not have the diagnosis of ADHD. Pattern of video game use and Game Addiction Screening Test (GAST) were completed by participants' parents. More than half of the children with and without ADHD spent >2h/day playing video games rather than engaging in other age-appropriate leisure activities, particularly on weekends. Participants with ADHD, however, had a higher rate of compulsive video game use than controls (37.5% vs 11.8%, P < 0.001). Although video game playing was relatively prevalent in children regardless of ADHD status, those with ADHD had a higher rate of problematic video game use than controls. The pattern of leisure activities including video game use should be assessed during health supervision visits. As such, those at risk for game addiction could be identified early, resulting in appropriate intervention.

Conductas agresivas, victimización y uso problemático de videojuegos en escolares de educación primaria de la provincia de Granada

El uso abusivo de ocio digital de pantalla en niños y niñas en edad escolar genera múltiples problemas de tipo cognitivo y emocional. En este sentido, el uso de videojuegos de contenido violento puede generar trastornos en el comportamiento prosocial de los sectores más jóvenes de población, ligándose a conductas agresivas de diverso tipo. Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo y corte transversal en una muestra de 519 escolares (M = 11.77 ± 1.19), cuyo principal objetivo fue determinar las relaciones existentes entre las conductas violentas en la escuela, los tipos de victimización y el uso problemático de videojuegos y su género en una muestra de estudiantes de Educación Primaria. Para ello, los principales instrumentos empleados fueron la escala de conductas agresivas en la escuela (Little, Henrich, Jones y Hawley, 2003), la escala de victimización en la escuela (Mynard y Joseph, 2000) y el cuestionario de experiencias relacionadas con videojuegos (Chamarro et al., 2014). Los resultados revelan que los escolares que padecían problemas potenciales o severos ligados al uso de videojuegos eran los que mayores puntuaciones reflejaban en agresividad manifiesta y relacional y victimización física y verbal. Asimismo, utilizar juegos de acción y rol, los cuales suelen incluir contenidos violentos, se asoció con mayores niveles de agresividad manifiesta y victimización relacional. Se hallaron correlaciones positivas entre el uso problemático de videojuegos y todas las categorías de agresividad y victimización. Como conclusiones, se demuestra como el uso de dispositivos de pantalla se relaciona sobremanera con los niveles de agresividad y victimización en escolares, revelando la importancia de realizar un consumo adecuado, así como fomentar conductas prosociales desde diferentes estamentos para paliar esta problemática.

A longitudinal study on psychosocial causes and consequences of Internet gaming disorder in adolescence.

In 2013, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was incorporated in the current version of the DSM-5. IGD refers to a problematic use of video games. Longitudinal studies on the etiology of IGD are lacking. Furthermore, it is currently unclear to which extent associated psychopathological problems are causes or consequences of IGD. In the present survey, longitudinal associations between IGD and adolescent and parental mental health were investigated for the first time, as well as the temporal stability of IGD. In a cross-lagged panel design study, family dyads (adolescent with a parent each) were examined in 2016 (t1) and again 1 year later (2017, t2). Overall, 1095 family dyads were assessed at t1 and 985 dyads were re-assessed at t2 with standardized measures of IGD and several aspects of adolescent and parental mental health. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). Male gender, a higher level of hyperactivity/inattention, self-esteem problems and IGD at t1 were predictors of IGD at t2. IGD at t1 was a predictor for adolescent emotional distress at t2. Overall, 357 out of the 985 adolescents received a diagnosis of IGD at t1 or t2: 142 (14.4%) at t1 and t2, 100 (10.2%) only at t1, and 115 (11.7%) only at t2. Hyperactivity/inattention and self-esteem problems seem to be important for the development of IGD. We found first empirical evidence that IGD could prospectively contribute to a deterioration of adolescent mental health. Only a subgroup of affected adolescents showed IGD consistently over 1 year.

Relationship between Healthy Habits and Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport among University Students: A Structural Equation Model

(1) Background: Several studies have shown how certain types of motivation for sports can favour healthy habits or can cause risk behaviours. (2) Methods: The aim of this study was to establish and verify an explanatory model for motivational climate in sport which considers other possible influential variables related to health. This research was conducted with a sample of 490 university students from Spain. The 33-item Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ-2) was used to assess perceived motivational climate. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Questionnaire of Experiences Related to Video Games (QERV), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and the KIDMED test were used to assess healthy habits; (3) Results: Findings revealed that task-involved climate and ego-involved climate were both positively associated with physical activity with the strongest relationship emerging for a task-involved climate. Furthermore, task climate was positively associated with a good adherence to a Mediterranean diet. A direct relationship was found between ego climate and alcohol intake and problematic use of video games; (4) Conclusions: The findings imply that students who have greater intrinsic motivation to participate in sport and perceive a task-involved climate also report healthier habits. This highlights the importance of creating task-involved motivational climates in sport and physical education lessons.

Passion or addiction? Correlates of healthy versus problematic use of videogames in a sample of French-speaking regular players

A criticism of current diagnostic approaches to gaming disorder is that they fail to take into account that high and repeated engagement is not problematic per se, nor is it necessarily associated with adverse consequences. To tackle this controversy, we used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test, in regular gamers (N = 268), whether high (but healthy) engagement can be distinguished from problematic engagement by using the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire (Charlton & Danforth, 2007). We then tested whether differential relationships exist between the engagement and addiction constructs, DSM-5 criteria for Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and psychological factors linked to gaming use and misuse (self-reported impulsivity, motives to play, and depression). Results indicated that a model holding engagement and addiction as two distinct, but related, constructs fits the data well. Second, we showed that although both constructs are linked to the number of IGD criteria endorsed, the relationship is more pronounced for the addiction construct. Third, a differential pattern of correlations was observed with the other study variables, further supporting the need to distinguish the two constructs. Our study emphasizes that research is needed to refine the diagnostic approach to gaming disorder to avoid conflating healthy passion with pathological behavior.

Smoking, ADHD, and Problematic Video Game Use: A Structural Modeling Approach.

Problematic video game use (PVGU), or addiction-like use of video games, is associated with physical and mental health problems and problems in social and occupational functioning. Possible correlates of PVGU include frequency of play, cigarette smoking, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of the current study was to explore simultaneously the relationships among these variables as well as test whether two separate measures of PVGU measure the same construct, using a structural modeling approach. Secondary data analysis was conducted on 2,801 video game users (Mage = 22.43 years, standard deviation [SD]age = 4.7; 93 percent male) who completed an online survey. The full model fit the data well: χ2 (2) = 2.017, p > 0.05; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.002 (90% CI [0.000-0.038]); comparative fit index (CFI) = 1.000; standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.004; and all standardized residuals <|0.1|. All freely estimated paths were statistically significant. ADHD symptomatology, smoking behavior, and hours of video game use explained 41.8 percent of variance in PVGU. Tracking these variables may be useful for PVGU prevention and assessment. Young's Internet Addiction Scale, adapted for video game use, and the Problem Videogame Playing Scale both loaded strongly onto a PVGU factor, suggesting that they measure the same construct, that studies using either measure may be compared to each other, and that both measures may be used as a screener of PVGU.

Problematic Video Game Use among Teenagers in Sfax, Tunisia

Problematic Video Game Use among Teenagers in Sfax, Tunisia

Policy responses to problematic video game use: A systematic review of current measures and future possibilities.

Background and aimsEmpirical research into problematic video game playing suggests that overuse might cause functional and psychological impairments for a minority of gamers. Therefore, the need for regulation in the case of video games (whether governmental or self-imposed) has arisen but has only been implemented in a few countries around the world, and predominantly in Asia. This paper provides a systematic review of current and potential policies addressing problematic gaming.MethodsAfter conducting a systematic search in the areas of prevention, treatment, and policy measures relating to problematic Internet and video game use, papers were selected that targeted problematic gaming policies (N = 12; six in English and six in Korean). These papers served as the basis of this review.ResultsPolicies were classified into three major groups: (i) policy measures limiting availability of video games (e.g., shutdown policy, fatigue system, and parental controls), (ii) measures aiming to reduce risk and harm (e.g., warning messages), and (iii) measures taken to provide help services for gamers. Beyond the attempt to classify the current and potential policy measures, the authors also tried to evaluate their efficiency theoretically and (if data were available) empirically.Discussion and conclusionsOverall, it appears that although several steps have been taken to address problematic video game playing, most of these steps were not as effective as expected, or had not been evaluated empirically for efficacy. The reason for this may lie in the fact that the policies outlined only addressed or influenced specific aspects of the problem instead of using a more integrative approach.

Uso problemático de Internet, el móvil y los videojuegos en una muestra de adolescentes alicantinos

El uso habitual de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs) está especialmente consolidado en población adolescente y juvenil, generando en algunos casos consecuencias negativas para el individuo. El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar los usos generales y los usos problemáticos que los adolescentes alicantinos hacen de las TICs más populares: Internet, teléfono móvil y videojuegos. La muestra estuvo formada por 319 adolescentes alicantinos entre 12 y 18 años. Se administraron los Cuestionarios de Experiencias Relacionadas con Internet, el Móvil y Videojuegos (CERI, CERM y CERV), que valoran los usos problemáticos de estas tecnologías, así como medidas ad-hoc para evaluar la frecuencia de uso y los usos más comunes. Los resultados muestran que en torno al 10% de la muestra presenta puntuaciones elevadas en uso problemático en cada una de las tecnologías, y un 2.2% de la muestra presenta problemas de uso en dos medios simultáneamente. Por último, se exponen las diferencias halladas según edad y sexo en cada uno de los usos. Estos datos suponen una aproximación al fenómeno del uso problemático de las TICs en adolescentes; se requiere estudios específicos para establecer los factores de riesgo de los usos problemáticos de internet, móvil y videojuegos

Actualización y propuesta de Tratamiento de la Adicción a los Videojuegos en línea: el programa PIPATIC

Resumen. En la actualidad, los servicios de psicología infantojuvenil registran un aumento de las consultas relacionadas con el uso problemático de los videojuegos en línea. Para ofrecer un tratamiento eficaz es necesario investigar sobre el abordaje psicoterapéutico de dicho problema. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar una actualización del tratamiento psicológico para la adicción a los videojuegos en línea. Además se describe el proceso de diseño de un tratamiento manualizado para adolescentes de 12 a 18 años: el programa PIPATIC. El diseño y la aplicación del programa PIPATIC integran varias áreas de intervención estructuradas en seis módulos: psicoeducativo, intervención estándar en adicciones conductuales, intrapersonal, interpersonal, familiar y creación de un nuevo estilo de vida. El objetivo del programa PIPATIC es una disminución de los síntomas de la adicción a los videojuegos en línea y una mejoría en el bienestar de los adolescentes. Los hallazgos preliminares muestran unos efectos positivos y alentadores que, prospectivamente, invitan a continuar investigando en este campo.

The association of Self-concept with Substance Abuse and Problematic Use of Video Games in University Students: A Structural Equation Model.

This study aims to define and contrast an explanatory model of consumption of alcohol, tobacco consumption, and problematic use of video games based on self-concept and its dimensions in a sample of university students. The research was conducted with a sample of 490 students from the province of Granada (Spain), aged between 20 and 29 years (M = 22.80 ± 3.63), with a homogeneous distribution by gender. The instruments used were the Self-concept Form-5 Questionnaire (García & Musitu, 1999), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Saunders, Aasland, Babor, De la Fuente, & Grant, 1993), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (Heatherton, Kozlowski, Frecker, & Fagerström, 1991) and the Questionnaire for Experiences Related to Video Games (Chamarro et al., 2014). A model of structural equations was estimated, which was adjusted properly, χ2(8) = 19.843, p = .011; CFI = .963, NFI = .943, IFI = .965, RMSEA = .055. As main results, a positive relationship between social and physical self-concept and consumption of alcohol was obtained, as well as a negative relationship between social self-concept and problematic use of videogames. Academic dimension was negatively related to alcohol and video game use. Furthermore, alcohol consumption was positively related to tobacco consumption and use of video games. It is concluded that levels of self-concept may represent a risk factor in substance abuse and digital leisure, and their study and consideration are appropriate.

Risk factors of problematic video game use among teenagers in Sfax

ObjectiveTo identify correlates that might constitute risk factors for problematic video game use (PVU) among urban Tunisian secondary school students.MethodsThis multivariate cross-sectional study was carried out on 587 secondary school students, aged 14 to 20 years. They were randomly selected from seven secondary schools in the urban area of Sfax. The self-administered Fisher's nine-item questionnaire was used in this survey. To identify an associated problematic internet use video game addiction, Young's eight-item questionnaire was used. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire covered socio-demographic, individual and family data.ResultsThe prevalence of PVU was 14.01%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the individual risk factors for problematic video game use were anxiety symptoms (P = 0.034) and an associated problematic Internet use (P &lt; 0.001). Playing sport was a protective factor (P = 0.011). The poor relationships within the family (P = 0.001), the lack of parental supervision of time spent on playing video game (P &lt; 0.001) and mother profession as mid-to upper level manager (P = 0.002), predicted PVU.ConclusionThe identification of risk factors can help to determine individuals at high risk, and alert mental health providers to be careful to screen these patients for PVU. Total avoidance of the Internet is unrealistic and inadvisable; but a sensibilisation outreach for youth, their families and health professionals may help to limit the onset of PVU among young people.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Video and Internet gaming addiction among young adults

IntroductionWith the popularity of high-tech devices and Internet use in recent years, playing online or offline games has become a popular activity, among young adults (YA). However, research suggests that excessive engagement may in extreme cases lead to symptoms commonly experienced by substance addicts.AimsEstimate the prevalence of problematic use of video and Internet games (PUVIG) among YA. Determine the factors associated with it.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out during the first half of September 2016. A sample of 69 YA with a high education's level was randomly selected from the general population. Data were collected through a global questionnaire consisted of a sociodemographic part, the Young Internet Addiction Test, the Problem Video Game playing questionnaire, online network game scale and the Perceived Stress Scale.ResultsThe average age was 27.6 years. The majority (70%) reported using video or Internet games. The risk of dependency to online network games involved 10% of game players while the presence of video games use consequences concerning 16%. Gaming addiction was significantly more likely in boys (P = 0.001). The students had more PUVIG than employees (P = 0.036). A link was highlighted with a problematic Internet use (P = 0.008), a facebook addiction (P = 0.001) and high perceived stress level (0.014).ConclusionsPlaying video and Internet games is a widespread activity among YA. The factors potentially involved are inevitably multiple and complex. It supports the need to carefully explore these emerging practices among this vulnerable population and suggest the establishment of better prevention and better tracking of video gaming.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Internet Gaming Addiction in Adolescence: Risk Factors and Maladjustment Correlates

Several studies have documented the existence of a behavioral addiction related to Video Games, which appears to be similar to other forms of addiction (gambling and substance-related) in terms of characteristics and consequences. Literature about this topic has suffered from the lack of a standard definition of this disorder before the publication of DSM-5. Thus, the prevalence of the disorder and its characteristics at the moment are unclear. The present research aimed to investigate the differences between sub-clinical problematic Video Game (VG) use and Internet use and clear Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and Internet addiction in terms of gender, amount of time spent gaming, preferential coping strategies, adjustment problems, interpersonal relations, and to identify risk factors that predict a problematic engagement in video gaming. We administered a survey containing measures about coping strategies, interpersonal relations, internalizing/externalizing problems, and Internet and Video Game addiction to 612 Italian students recruited in the four main regions of the country (age range 9–19; M = 13.94). Results show that 15.2% of participants showed a sub-clinical problematic use of Video Games, while those with a clear IGD were 2.1% (n = 13); 16.3% of them showed a sub-clinical problematic Internet use, while full-criteria Internet addiction was found in 5.9% of the sample. IGD appears to be linked to various dysfunctional outcomes including a wide range of psychological symptoms and behavioral and social problems. Also, problematic video gamers tend to preferentially adopt dysfunctional coping strategies as distraction and avoidance, so VGs seem to represent a mean to cope with problems and difficulties.

Shoot at first sight! First person shooter players display reduced reaction time and compromised inhibitory control in comparison to other video game players

Studies have shown that regular video game use might improve cognitive and social skills. In contrast, other studies have documented the negative outcomes of excessive gaming vis-à-vis health and socioprofessional spheres. Both positive and negative outcomes of video game use were linked to their structural characteristics (i.e., features that make the game appealing or are inducements for all gamers to keep playing regularly). The current study tested whether active video gamers from main genres (massively multiplayer online role-playing games, online first person shooter, multiplayer online battle arena) differed in a laboratory task that measured inhibitory control. Eighty-one gamers performed the Hybrid-Stop Task, assessing restraint (go/no-go trials) and cancellation (stop-signal trials) processes of a prepotent response. They completed additional self-reported questionnaires measuring demographics, problematic video game use, impulsivity traits, and depressive symptoms. Results showed that when confounding variables were controlled for, participants who favored online first person shooter were characterized by accelerated motor responses yet reduced abilities to cancel a prepotent response. No differences between groups were identified regarding the restraint process. The findings of this pilot study might have clear implications for video gaming research by supporting the critical importance of distinguishing between video game genres when considering their specific potential benefits and detrimental effects.

Pratiques des jeux vidéo, d’internet et des réseaux sociaux chez des collégiens français

Aim : Screen-based media use is gradually becoming a public health issue, especially among young people.Method : A local descriptive observational study was conducted in 11 colleges of the Bouches-du-Rhône department. All middle high school students were asked to fill in a questionnaire comprising questions about their demographic characteristics, their screen-based media use (Internet, video games, social networks), any problematic use (video games and social networks), self-esteem and quality of life.Results : A total of 950 college students (mean age : 12.96 years) participated in the research. The results show a high level and a very diverse screen-based media use. Boys more frequently played video games and girls go more frequently used social networks. The levels of problematic use were relatively low for all middle high school students. The level of problematic video game use was significantly higher in boys, and the level of problematic social network use was higher in girls.Conclusion : Differences in the use of video games or social networks raise the general issue of gender differences in society. This study indicates the need for more specific preventive interventions for screen-based media use. The addictive “nature” of certain practices needs to be studied in more detail.

Adolescent Problematic Gaming and Domain-Specific Perceptions of Self

Problematic video game use (PVGU) is an inability to meet personal and social responsibilities due to video gaming. It is estimated to affect 5 to 6% of adolescents. Research demonstrates greater video game engagement is associated with a poorer perception of self in several domains; however, the relation between PVGU and self-perception has not yet be examined. The present study explored this association using a sample of 758 Grade 7 adolescents (55.1% Female; Mage= 12.34 years; SD = 0.49 years). Results revealed greater PVGU to be associated with a poorer perception of self within the behavioural conduct and close friendship domains. Similar differences emerged when examining reports of self-perception across the PVGU classifications (i.e., None, Minimal, At-Risk, Problematic). Unexpectedly, two interactions between gender and PVGU classifications were observed for the behavioural conduct and self-worth domains of self-perception. The discussion addresses the implications of these findings and points to areas of future research.

Problematic Use of Video Games and Substance Abuse in Early Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Study.

Problematic use of video games (PUVG) is associated with substance use in middle school students. The aim of our study was to examine the association between PUVG and substance abuse in children and young adolescents. A survey was conducted during the 2014-2015 school year in Padua (northeastern Italy). The sample consisted of 1156 students in grades 6 to 8. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to seek associations between PUVG (dependent variable) and independent variables. Logistic regression showed that lifetime drunkenness, combined energy drink and alcohol consumption (lifetime), reading comics, and disrespect for rules increased the odds of PUVG, whereas playing competitive sport, eating fruit and/or vegetables daily, finding it easy to talk with fathers and being female lowered the odds of PUVG in early adolescence. Our findings show that PUVG is more likely in young adolescents at risk of substance abuse. Prevention schemes focusing on early adolescence should be based on a multicomponent intervention strategy that takes PUVG into account.