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Cekic S, Bediou B, Achab S, Rich M, Green CS, Bavelier D. Going beyond video game consumption when considering Internet Gaming Disorder. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152500. [PMID: 38761770 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing the crucial importance of understanding the impact of video games on health in today's gaming-dominated world, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between gaming time and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Despite the widespread assumption that a connection exists between both, previous studies have revealed highly variable associations, highlighting significant weaknesses in establishing a robust link. METHODS To unravel this complex relationship, we recruited two independent samples of League of Legends players. We combined the collection of self-reported and actual gameplay data, together with assessments of mental health, personality traits, and cognitive abilities. RESULTS Surprisingly, none of the gaming variables demonstrated a robust and stable association with IGD, regardless of whether players spent less than or more than 30 hours per week gaming-a threshold suggested by the American Psychiatric Association as a potential indicator of disordered gaming. Notably, mental health factors, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, emerged as the most influential predictors of IGD. CONCLUSION These findings, replicated across two independent samples, challenge the prevailing belief that limiting screen time alone effectively combats IGD. Instead, mental health factors play a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with gaming. Policies focusing solely on restricting screen time are insufficient in reducing the prevalence or symptoms of IGD. Rather, a comprehensive approach that considers mental health and key personality traits must be adopted to safeguard the well-being of individuals engaged in gaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezen Cekic
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Bediou
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Rich
- Digital Wellness Lab, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, USA; Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders, Boston Children's Hospital, USA
| | - C Shawn Green
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-, Madison, USA
| | - Daphné Bavelier
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
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Garrido EC, Delgado SC, Esteban PG. Phubbing and its impact on the individual's psychological well-being. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 248:104388. [PMID: 38959636 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, smartphones have become a part of people's everyday lives, and are now considered by many to be an indispensable social accessory. Since attachment to a smartphone could have negative psychological consequences, a burgeoning new area of research has emerged which examines the effects of smartphones on individuals' well-being. Hence, this study focuses on phubbing - one's engagement with the smartphone during a face-to-face conversation with another person or group of people - and its association with psychological well-being. For this investigation, a quantitative descriptive approach has been adopted involving a sample of 370 women and men from Spain between 25 and 60 years old. The survey was distributed during late 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. The Phubbing Behaviors Survey was conducted, comprising five dimensions (cultural, technological, social, communicational, and psychological), and a total of 33 items requiring responses on a 5-point Likert scale. This survey was used in conjunction with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), consisting of four categories (somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia, and severe depression), and 7 items per category. The findings reveal a positive correlation between phubbing and severe depression and, young women under 25 years old show higher levels of somatic symptoms than men in the same age group. This study demonstrates the need to raise awareness via health education and to promote healthy use of the Internet to prevent psychological distress resulting from phubbing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Capilla Garrido
- Universidad de Extremadura, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Elvas avenue, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Sixto Cubo Delgado
- Universidad de Extremadura, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Elvas avenue, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
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3
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Koncz P, Demetrovics Z, Urbán R, Griffiths MD, Király O. Gender-specific motivational pathways in ADHD-related inattention and gaming disorder symptoms. Addict Behav 2024; 158:108120. [PMID: 39141972 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gaming disorder (GD) is widely recognized in the literature. Previous research has indicated gender-dependent underlying mechanisms in the development and maintenance of problematic gaming. Motivational research presents an opportunity to provide further insight regarding the nature of this association. Self-report data were collected from videogame players (N = 14,740) using an online survey in collaboration with a popular gaming magazine. The survey included items concerning symptoms of ADHD and GD, motives for gaming, and time spent playing videogames. Structural equation modeling was used to create two parallel mediation models (one for males, one for females), including motives to play games as mediators. This was done to potentially explain psychological drivers of the association between ADHD and GD. Results demonstrated a common pathway from inattention to GD symptom severity through the immersion/escapism motivation for both males (β = 0.068; p < 0.001) and females (β = 0.081; p < 0.05), while the paths from inattention to GD symptom severity through the habit/boredom motive (β = 0.094; p < 0.001) and competition motive (β = 0.021; p < 0.001) were only significant for males. Gamers experiencing symptoms of ADHD, especially inattentive symptoms, are at risk of the occurrence of GD symptoms through videogames becoming a source of maladaptive coping with daily psychological disturbances. Males experiencing inattentive symptoms tend to additionally develop problematic patterns of use through videogame playing, becoming a subjectively meaningless and boredom-reduction-oriented habitual activity or a platform of virtual competition. Unique differences suggest the necessity of different treatment approaches for males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Koncz
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar; College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Róbert Urbán
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
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Saunders JB, Chan G, Leung J, Stjepanović D, Connor JP. The nature and characteristics of problem gaming, with a focus on ICD-11 diagnoses. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:292-300. [PMID: 38726803 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes the diagnoses related to problem gaming that are included in ICD-11, published by the WHO in 2022. It summarizes the recent literature on the prevalence of Gaming Disorder, its structure, antecedents and comorbidities, and explores whether the range of diagnoses currently available adequately covers the range of experiences seen with problem gaming. RECENT FINDINGS Overall, between 3 and 6% of the population worldwide are reported to have a gaming disorder as defined by ICD-11 or DSM-5. However, most studies are constrained by methodological issues such as nonrepresentative samples and the use of brief questionnaires to determine prevalence. ICD-11 Gaming Disorder is a psychometrically sound diagnosis. There is no diagnosis that currently captures the experience of harm from gaming, where the requirements for the diagnosis of Gaming Disorder are not reached. SUMMARY There is evidence in support of the proposed new entity of 'Harmful Gaming', which encompasses mental and physical harm/impairment due to a repeated pattern of gaming, but where requirements for the diagnosis of Gaming Disorder are not met. Such a diagnosis would complete the spectrum of diagnoses available for problem or unhealthy gaming, similar to those for unhealthy substance use, and would provide a framework for a public health approach to reducing the overall harm from unhealthy gaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Saunders
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Varchetta M, Tagliaferri G, Mari E, Quaglieri A, Cricenti C, Martí-Vilar M. Cross-Cultural Examination of Problematic Internet Use and Associated Psychological Variables: A Comparative Study in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3451. [PMID: 38929979 PMCID: PMC11204483 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies focused on the escalating prevalence of Problematic Use of Internet (PUI) and its consequential impact on mental health globally. This study investigates the relationship between PUI and associated psychological variables across different cultural contexts in Italy, Spain, Ecuador, and Peru. Method: A total of 675 participants, aged 18 to 54 (M = 22.73; SD = 4.05), completed measures assessing Internet addiction, social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Phubbing. Results: Significant cultural variations were found, with Italian participants showing higher levels of Internet addiction but lower levels of social media addiction compared to other countries. Fear of Missing Out was higher in Italy, while the Italian sample exhibited lower Internet Gaming Disorder levels compared to Peru. As regards the communication disturbance caused by Phubbing, the Italian sample demonstrated significantly higher scores than the Peruvian sample. Linear regression analyses revealed distinct predictors for problematic Internet use in each country, emphasizing the importance of considering the cultural context in understanding this phenomenon. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interplay of cultural factors, psychological variables, and problematic Internet use, guiding future research and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Varchetta
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (E.M.); (A.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Ginevra Tagliaferri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (E.M.); (A.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (E.M.); (A.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Alessandro Quaglieri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (E.M.); (A.Q.); (C.C.)
- Faculty of Social and Communication Sciences, Universitas Mercatorum, Piazza Mattei 10, 00186 Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Cricenti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (E.M.); (A.Q.); (C.C.)
| | - Manuel Martí-Vilar
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Orozco R, Borges G, Caldas-de-Almeida JM, Gutiérrez-García RA, Albor Y, Jiménez Pérez AL, Valdés-García KP, Baez Mansur PM, Covarrubias Díaz Couder MA, Hernández Uribe PC, Benjet C. Internet Gaming Disorder and the Incidence of Suicide-Related Ideation and Behaviors in College Students. J Addict Med 2024:01271255-990000000-00327. [PMID: 38832680 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The longitudinal associations between DSM-5 Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and suicide-related ideation and behaviors have not been explored. In this study, we therefore seek to examine the association between baseline IGD and incident suicide ideation, plans, and attempts. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of 2586 Mexican college students followed up from September 2018 to June 2022. We estimated hazards ratios modeling incidence of suicide ideation, plans, and attempts by fitting proportional hazards Cox models with person-time scaled in years. RESULTS Among 2140 students without suicide ideation at baseline, there were 467 incident cases in 3987.6 person-years; ideation incidence rates were 179 cases per 1000 person-years among students with IGD and 114 cases per 1000 person-years among those without IGD. Incidence rates for suicide plans were 67 and 39 per 1000 among IGD and non-IGD students, and 15 and 10 per 1000, respectively for attempts. After controlling for age, sex, and mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, IGD was associated with an 83% increased risk of suicide ideation. Although incidence rate estimates for plans and attempts were higher among students with IGD, results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS This study helps to raise awareness of the increased risk of at least suicidal ideation in people experiencing IGD. Clinicians treating patients with IGD may encounter complaints of suicide ideation over time, and even reports of suicidal behavior that should not be disregarded. Identifying these patients and treating/referring them for underlying suicidality should form part of IGD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Orozco
- From the Centro de Investigación en Salud Mental Global, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz," Mexico City, Mexico (RO, GB, YA, CB); Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico (RO); Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health, Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School/Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal (JMC-d-A); Facultad de Estudios Superiores, Universidad La Salle Bajío, Salamanca, Mexico (RAG-G); Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Campus Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico (ALJP); Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, Mexico (KPV-G); Universidad La Salle Victoria, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico (PMBM); Coordinación de Investigación, Universidad la Salle Noroeste, Ciudad Obregón, Mexico (MACDC); and Área de Capacitación, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico (PCHU)
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7
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Hein K, Conkey-Morrison C, Burleigh TL, Poulus D, Stavropoulos V. Examining how gamers connect with their avatars to assess their anxiety: A novel artificial intelligence approach. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 246:104298. [PMID: 38701623 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has supported that a gamer's attachment to their avatar can offer significant insights about their mental health, including anxiety. To assess this hypothesis, longitudinal data from 565 adult and adolescent participants (Mage = 29.3 years, SD = 10.6) was analyzed at two points, six months apart. Respondents were assessed using the User-Avatar Bond (UAB) scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to measure their connection with their avatar and their risk for anxiety. The records were processed using both untuned and tuned artificial intelligence [AI] classifiers to evaluate present and future anxiety. The findings indicated that AI models are capable of accurately and autonomously discerning cases of anxiety risk based on the gamers' self-reported UAB, age, and duration of gaming, both at present and after six months. Notably, random forest algorithms surpassed other AI models in effectiveness, with avatar compensation emerging as the most significant factor in model training for prospective anxiety. The implications for assessment, prevention, and clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiden Hein
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Connor Conkey-Morrison
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tyrone L Burleigh
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Dylan Poulus
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Queensland, Australia
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Basenach L, Rumpf HJ, Dreier M, Salbach H, Renneberg B, Gnauert O, Wölfling K. Symptoms and functional impairments in patients with Internet Use Disorders participating in an online short-term therapy. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 131:152471. [PMID: 38484480 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet use disorders (IUD) have been recognized as a serious mental health concern. In order to promote consensus on core features of IUD, further studies involving clinical samples are required. AIMS A clinical evaluation of patients with IUD was conducted as part of the scientific monitoring of a novel online short-term therapy, embedded in the randomized controlled trial Stepped Care Approach for Problematic Internet use Treatment (SCAPIT; ID: DRKS00025994). METHODS An online diagnostic and a clinical assessment were performed at the baseline measurement of the online intervention. The self-report version of the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction (AICA-S) was applied to assess symptom severity of IUD. The impact of psychopathological symptoms and impairments of functioning on IUD symptomatology was examined in the sample of patients. Based on a dichotomous classification of the symptom severity of IUD, differences among participants presenting moderate compared to severe addictive Internet behavior were analyzed. RESULTS The sample of this an analysis consisted of 57 patients (57.9% males, mean age of 29.12 years) participating in the online short-term therapy for IUD. Based on the AICA-S sum score (M = 11.60; SD = 3.30) participants exhibited moderate (n = 44; 77.2%) to severe (n = 13; 22.8%) symptoms of addictive Internet use. Psychopathological symptoms and impairments of psychosocial functioning had an effect on symptom severity of IUD. Participants with severe symptoms of IUD showed higher psychopathological strains compared to patients with moderate addictive Internet behavior. CONCLUSIONS The clinical evaluation of patients participating in a novel online short-term therapy for IUD indicated that psychopathological symptoms and impairments of functioning have an impact on addictive Internet behaviors and consequently, need to be addressed in the treatment of IUD. Based on the results, further implications for clinical practice and research on addictive Internet behavior are derived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Basenach
- Freie Univesität Berlin, Department of Education and Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Michael Dreier
- Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addictions, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Harriet Salbach
- Freie Univesität Berlin, Department of Education and Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Babette Renneberg
- Freie Univesität Berlin, Department of Education and Psychology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Olivia Gnauert
- University Potsdam, Department of Clinical Psychotherapy and Psychology, Germany.
| | - Klaus Wölfling
- Outpatient Clinic for Behavioral Addictions, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Jitoku D, Kobayashi N, Fujimoto Y, Qian C, Okuzumi S, Tei S, Matsuyoshi D, Tamura T, Takahashi H, Ueno T, Yamada M, Fujino J. Explicit and implicit effects of gaming content on social media on the behavior of young adults. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1332462. [PMID: 38328373 PMCID: PMC10847366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1332462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive gameplay can have negative effects on both mental and physical health, especially among young people. Nowadays, social media platforms are bombarding users with gaming-related content daily. Understanding the effect of this content on people's behavior is essential to gain insight into problematic gaming habits. However, this issue is yet to be studied extensively. In this study, we examined how gaming-related content on social media affects young adults explicitly and implicitly. We studied 25 healthy young adults (average age 21.5 ± 2.2) who played online games casually and asked them to report their gaming desire. We also conducted an implicit association test (IAT) to measure their implicit attitudes toward gaming-related content. We also investigated the relationship between these measures and various psychological factors, such as personality traits, self-efficacy, impulsiveness, and cognitive flexibility. The results revealed that participants had a higher explicit gaming desire when exposed to gaming-related cues on social media than neutral cues. They also had a robust positive implicit attitude toward gaming-related content on social media. Explicit gaming desire was positively correlated with neuroticism levels. Furthermore, the IAT effect was negatively correlated with self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility levels. However, there were no significant correlations between explicit gaming desire/IAT effect and impulsiveness levels. These findings suggest that gaming-related content on social media can affect young adults' behavior both explicitly and implicitly, highlighting the need for further research to prevent gaming addiction in vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Jitoku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nanase Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Fujimoto
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Chenyu Qian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Okuzumi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shisei Tei
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Applied Brain Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- School of Human and Social Sciences, Tokyo International University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsuyoshi
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takehiro Tamura
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Takahashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takefumi Ueno
- Division of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Hizen Psychiatric Medical Center, Saga, Japan
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junya Fujino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
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10
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Choi J, Choi Y, Jung YC, Lee J, Lee J, Park E, Kim IY. Effects of Game-Related Tasks for the Diagnosis and Classification of Gaming Disorder. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:42. [PMID: 38248419 PMCID: PMC10812970 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Gaming disorder (GD) is an addictive behavior characterized by an insatiable need to play video games and shares similar symptoms with the failure of self-control due to a decline in cognitive function. Current GD diagnostic and screening tools rely on questionnaires and behavioral observations related to cognitive functions to assess an individual's capacity to maintain self-control in everyday life. However, current GD screening approaches rely on subjective symptoms, and a reliable diagnosis requires long-term clinical follow-up. Recent studies have measured biosignals along with cognitive functional tasks to provide objectivity to GD diagnosis and to acquire immediate results. However, people with GD are hypersensitive to game-related cues, so their responses may vary depending on the type of stimuli, and the difference in response to stimuli might manifest as a difference in the degree of change in the biosignal. Therefore, it is critical to choose the correct stimulus type when performing GD diagnostic tasks. In this study, we investigated the task dependence of cognitive decline in GD by comparing two cognitive functional tasks: a continuous performance task (CPT) and video game play. For this study, 69 young male adults were classified into either the gaming disorder group (GD, n = 39) or a healthy control group (HC, n = 30). CPT score, EEG signal (theta, alpha, and beta), and HRV-HF power were assessed. We observed differences in the left frontal region (LF) of the brain between the GD and HC groups during online video game play. The GD group also showed a significant difference in HF power of HRV between CPT and online video gaming. Furthermore, LF and HRV-HF significantly correlated with Young's Internet Addiction Test (Y-IAT) score, which is positively associated with impulsivity score. The amount of change in theta band activity in LF and HRV-HF-both biomarkers for changes in cognitive function-during online video game play suggests that people with GD express task-dependent cognitive decline compared with HC. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying individual self-regulation ability for gaming and underscore its importance for GD classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongbong Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Choi
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chul Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongshill Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunkyoung Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - In Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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Koncz P, Demetrovics Z, Takacs ZK, Griffiths MD, Nagy T, Király O. The emerging evidence on the association between symptoms of ADHD and gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 106:102343. [PMID: 37883910 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The co-existence of gaming disorder (GD) with other mental health problems has been widely reported. Despite the growing research interest in the comorbidity of GD with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to date, no quantitative synthesis has been performed. The present study comprised a systematic literature search using Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Three types of studies were included in the analyses: studies reporting (i) correlation coefficients between the symptoms of GD and ADHD, (ii) means, and standard deviations for comparison of GD severity between ADHD/non-ADHD individuals, and (iii) comparison of ADHD severity between GD/non-GD individuals. The results indicated a moderate relationship between GD and ADHD symptom severity when both subdomains of ADHD were combined (r = 0.296), and also when only inattention (r = 0.306) or hyperactivity (r = 0.266) symptoms were analyzed, which was also confirmed in a structural equation model meta-analysis. Studies showed a large average difference comparing the GD symptom severity of ADHD and non-ADHD individuals (g = 0.693), or ADHD symptom severity of GD and non-GD individuals (g = 0.854). In some cases, higher estimates of association were reported among studies that (i) had a higher proportion of males, (ii) assessed problematic internet use among predominantly videogame player samples rather than assessing only GD, and (iii) had been more recently published. The present review shows that this is an emerging field demonstrating significant results in cross-sectional correlational studies. However, future research should apply more rigorous methodologies to investigate the relationship further (e.g., longitudinal studies and studies using professional/clinical ratings and diagnosis). These results suggest that screening and treatment for ADHD among individuals with gaming disorder is necessary, and individuals with ADHD should be made aware of their higher susceptibility to gaming disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Koncz
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
| | - Zsofia K Takacs
- School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tamás Nagy
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Sirola A, Nyrhinen J, Nuckols J, Wilska TA. Loot box purchasing and indebtedness: The role of psychosocial factors and problem gambling. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 18:100516. [PMID: 37915884 PMCID: PMC10616135 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loot boxes are increasingly common random-reward monetization mechanisms in digital games. They are popular among gamblers and pose various risks due to their gambling-like nature, but little is known about psychosocial vulnerabilities and financial consequences of purchasing them. This article examined psychosocial associations with self-reported increase in loot box purchasing and indebtedness among past-year gamblers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional survey data were collected in April 2021 from Finnish, Swedish, and British past-year gamblers aged 18 to 75 (n = 2,022). Measures of loneliness, psychological resilience, and problem gambling were studied in relation to loot box purchasing and indebtedness. Structural equation modeling was used as an analytical technique. Results Loneliness was positively associated with self-reported increase in loot box purchasing. No evidence was found regarding the protective role of psychological resilience in loot box purchasing. Increased loot box purchasing was associated with problem gambling. Problem gambling mediated the relationship between loot box purchasing and indebtedness. Conclusions The findings bring valuable insight into the psychosocial vulnerabilities and financial consequences in loot box purchasing. Loot box purchasing can add to one's financial strain particularly among vulnerable individuals such as problem gamblers, making it crucial to regulate such monetization practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sirola
- The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jussi Nyrhinen
- The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Julia Nuckols
- The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Terhi-Anna Wilska
- The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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Cudo A, Kopiś-Posiej N, Griffiths MD. The Role of Self-Control Dimensions, Game Motivation, Game Genre, and Game Platforms in Gaming Disorder: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Findings. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4749-4777. [PMID: 38024654 PMCID: PMC10676672 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s435125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gaming disorder (GD) is the result of an interplay between gaming-related factors, individual factors, and environmental factors. Current research primarily highlights single types of factors. Consequently, the present study simultaneously analyzed the role of individual factors, such as self-control dimensions and motives for gaming, and gaming-related factors, such as game genres, and gaming platforms in GD among female and male gamers. Additionally, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of these factors in relation to GD both cross-sectionally (Study 1) and longitudinally (Study 2). Methods Study 1 comprised 620 active gamers (M=22.16 years; SD=2.99), and Study 2 comprised 405 active gamers (M=28.05 years; SD=4.51). The instruments used in the studies included the Gaming Disorder Test, the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire, Video Game Questionnaire, and Self-Knowledge New Sheet. Results The results showed that GD was associated with (i) self-control deficits associated with difficulties in implementation control and taking actions related to goals without unnecessary delay, (ii) retaining information about intentions and long-term plans, (iii) refraining from immediate, impulsive behavior, and (iv) inhibiting emotional reactions. GD was also associated primarily with escape, coping, and competition motives for gaming. However, the longitudinal study showed that social, fantasy, and skill-development motives were also related to GD development over time. The action game genres associated with GD but were not very important for GD over time. The cross-sectional study results indicated a negative relationship between GD and tablets and consoles used as gaming platforms. However, the longitudinal study showed that desktop computers and consoles use as gaming platforms were associated with the GD over time. Moreover, gaming-related factors explained only 9% of the variance in the GD model among female gamers and only 10% of the variance in the GD model among male gamers in cross-sectional study. In contrast, individual factors such as self-control dimensions and gaming motivation explained 32% of the variance in the GD model among both female and male gamers. Conclusion Individual factors, such as self-control dimensions and motives for gaming, were more important in explaining GD than gaming-related factors, such as game genres and gaming platforms. Moreover, self-control deficits and motivation related to escape, coping and competence can be important factors to consider in the prevention and treatment of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Cudo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Natalia Kopiś-Posiej
- Department of Experimental Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Chen S, Zhu S. Unravelling the intricacies between gaming motivations and internet gaming disorder symptoms in adolescents: a network analysis of 2-year healthy and deteriorating transition profiles. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:122. [PMID: 37865769 PMCID: PMC10590022 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00671-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents has become a global concern, while gaming plays a large role in many adolescents' lives. While prior research emphasised the significance of investigating IGD through an etiological lens, the interconnections between diverse gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents remain inadequately understood. This study explored the associations between distinct gaming motivations and IGD symptoms by conducting network analysis in adolescents. METHODS Data from a two-year longitudinal school-based survey (N = 2148) was utilized. LPA was used to offer a straightforward and interpretable solution for identifying adolescents with two-year healthy and deteriorating transitions of IGD profiles. Subsequently, we conducted a network analysis to explore and compare the associations between gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents with two-year healthy transition profiles and deteriorating transition profiles. RESULTS Three profiles were delineated: 'low IGD' (T1: n = 808, 37.62%; T2: n = 731; 34.03%), 'middle IGD' (T1: n = 1063, 49.49%; T2: n = 1103, 51.35%), and 'severe IGD' (T1: n = 277, 12.89%; T2: n = 314, 14.62%), classifying adolescents with healthy transitions and those with deteriorating transitions. Three gaming motivations (i.e., 'Daily entertainment', 'I am good at it', and 'Improvement of ability and mindset') were identified as protective motivations. Two others, 'Enjoy being in the gaming world' and 'Preoccupation', were identified as bridge nodes in adolescents with deteriorating transitions. Three core nodes (i.e., 'Sense of victory', 'Enjoy being in the gaming world', and 'Sense of achievement') were identified in both adolescents with healthy profile transitions and deteriorating transitions. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that not all gaming motivations contribute to the development of IGD in adolescents. Adolescents with deteriorating transitions showed specific gaming motivation and IGD symptom that is closely connected. Future interventions should consider corresponding gaming motivation when addressing IGD among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Chen
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shimin Zhu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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