Internet gaming disorder in Lebanon: Relationships with age, sleep habits, and academic achievement

Parent-Adolescent Conflict, Peer Victimization, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of OXTR Gene rs53576 Polymorphism

Despite growing evidence that parent-adolescent conflict positively correlates with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents, its underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly examined. Based on the social development model and gene-environment interaction perspective, this study investigates whether the indirect association of parent-adolescent conflict, which impacts adolescent IGD through peer victimization, was moderated by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene rs53576 polymorphism. Overall, 673 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 12.81 years; SD = 0.48 years; 54% boys) were included in this study. The participants completed questionnaires concerning parent-adolescent conflict, peer victimization, and IGD, and genomic DNA was extracted from each participant's saliva and buccal cells. The findings indicated that peer victimization mediated the link between parent-adolescent conflict and IGD among adolescents. The OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism also moderated this indirect link. Specifically, the indirect effect of parent-adolescent conflict on adolescent IGD through peer victimization was significant for adolescents with AA homozygotes. However, it was non-significant for adolescents with GA and GG genotypes. This research simultaneously considers the roles of family, peers, and genetics in adolescent IGD. Furthermore, it provides beneficial information to customize interventions for adolescent IGD prevention.

The association between internet addiction and sleep quality among medical students in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Sleep is one of the fundamental human needs, essential for maintaining a high quality of life and mental and physical well-being across all age groups. Poor sleep quality often stems from negative lifestyle habits, including excessive internet usage. Therefore, it is important to determine the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among youth in Saudi Arabia and to examine the relationship between internet addiction levels and sleep quality.

METHODS

Data were collected from 338 medical students in the southern region of Saudi Arabia (mean age = 21.2 years, standard deviation = 3.29 years). Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis employed iterations, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The results revealed that 21% of the participants exhibited severe internet addiction, while 31% displayed moderate internet addiction. Furthermore, the findings indicated a positive correlation between sleep quality and the severity of internet addiction. Sleep quality symptoms explained 75% of the variance in Internet addiction scores, even after controlling for demographic variables. Additional bivariate analyses revealed that individuals who spent six or more hours online daily were more likely to experience symptoms of poor sleep quality and exhibit a higher severity of internet addiction. Additionally, Men were more susceptible to developing internet addiction compared to women. Moreover, students with internet addiction tended to have lower academic achievements.

CONCLUSION

These findings, while exploratory, offer valuable insights into potential interventions, strategies, and programs for mitigating internet addiction and enhancing sleep quality among medical college students.

Prevalence, predictive factors, and impacts of internet gaming disorder among adolescents: A population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) becomes a growing concern during the digital era, especially with the pandemic's social distancing measures. It is essential to comprehend the psychosocial predictors and impacts of IGD.

METHODS

A two-wave annual panel study was conducted in Zigong, China, utilizing regional sampling through school-based surveys involving upper primary school to high school students. Data were collected in October 2020 (T1, N = 94,020) and October 2021 (T2, N = 60,551). Self-report data were collected on demographic information, internet gaming behavior, and other mental health factors. Cross-lagged panel models (CLPM) were employed to estimate the bidirectional relationships between the variables.

RESULTS

At T1, 65,643 (72.6 %) participants identified as gamers; at T2, this number decreased to 42,213 (69.7 %). T1 IGD symptoms demonstrated predictability for all T2 psychological variables. Within the framework of the CLPM examining the interplay between IGD symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and hyperactivity/inattention, we uncovered significant reciprocal cross-lagged effects between these variables over time. The relationship between T1 IGD symptoms and T2 anxiety symptoms had age-specific differences, with 13-15-year-old boys displaying the highest coefficient, which decreased for the 16-18 age group.

LIMITATIONS

Our study is subject to potential recall bias associated with self-reported retrospective data. Additionally, our analysis assumes temporal ordering between variables, an assumption that may not always hold in complex systems.

CONCLUSIONS

There are reciprocal relationships between IGD symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and hyperactivity/inattention in adolescents, underscoring the imperative need for comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing the impact of IGD on mental health and overall well-being.

Exploring the association between online gaming addiction and academic performance among the school-going adolescents in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

The pervasive nature of online gaming, notably accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has spurred concerns regarding gaming addiction among children. This study explores the intricate ramifications of online gaming addiction on the academic performance and social dynamics of children in Bangladesh. Our primary objective is to gauge the extent of online gaming addiction and unravel its profound effects on academic performance.

Methods

Conducting a nationwide survey from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, we analyzed 502 responses from participants aged 6-17 years. The survey encompassed sociodemographic details, gaming addiction assessment, and academic performance following a simple random sampling method. We analyzed participant demographics utilizing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Results

Key findings revealed a majority within the 13-17 age bracket (75.50%), predominantly male (58.57%), and enrolled in secondary education (83.27%). A robust inverse relationship showed that nonaddicted students towards online gaming had higher academic performance. Therefore, it is important to implement targeted strategies to address online gaming addiction among Bangladeshi children.

Conclusion

Recommending early intervention, academic initiatives, and holistic therapy, we advocate for collaboration among educational institutions, mental health professionals, parents, and policymakers. All of these initiatives are essential to navigate the evolving challenges presented by gaming addiction. Furthermore, our call for ongoing research seeks to deepen our understanding of enduring consequences on academic and social dimensions, fostering a digitally supportive environment conducive to the holistic well-being of children.

Cognitive, Metacognitive, Motivational, and Emotional Predictors of the Intensity of Internet Gaming Disorder among Adolescents

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is multifaceted and can have significant negative consequences. The present study examined the contribution of cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors as predictors for IGD severity. In a cross-sectional study, 703 Iranian adolescents (36.8% females, mean age = 16.98 years [SD = 1.23]) completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors predicted 7.8%, 17.4%, 1.4%, and 1.9% of the variance in IGD symptoms, respectively. The findings indicated that the cognitive factors including some maladaptive cognitions, such as cognitive salience, regret, and perfectionism, and metacognitive factors including some maladaptive metacognitions (negative metacognitions regarding the uncontrollability of online gaming and negative metacognitions regarding the dangers of online gaming) were significant predictors of IGD severity, highlighting their importance in understanding and predicting problematic gaming behaviors. Although contributing to the variance in IGD, motivational factors (escape, coping, and skill development) and emotional factors including emotion regulation (especially reappraisal) played relatively smaller roles compared to cognitive and metacognitive factors. Of the examined predictive factors, metacognitions were the most important predictor of IGD severity. Exploratory moderator analyses showed significant interactions between three predictors of IGD (reappraisal, negative metacognitions, and cognitive salience) with loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Reappraisal was the most frequent predictor and had a significant interaction with these variables. Other predictors independently impacted IGD irrespective of the level of loneliness, stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Based on these findings, special attention to metacognitive, cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors is suggested in the treatment of IGD.

Longitudinal Relationships Between School Climate, Academic Achievement, and Gaming Disorder Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents

Despite growing concerns regarding the development of gaming disorder symptoms among adolescents, the longitudinal relationship between school factors and gaming disorder symptoms remains far from being fully understood. This two-year longitudinal study examined the relationship between school climate perceptions, academic achievement, and gaming disorder symptoms among three distinct demographic cohorts: preadolescents (n = 1513; 46.9% girls, Mage = 10.64 years, SD = 0.56), early adolescents (n = 1771; 48.3% girls, Mage = 13.54 years, SD = 0.70), and late adolescents (n = 2385; 50.1% girls, Mage = 16.41 years, SD = 0.59). A four-wave study was conducted (six months apart) using random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) to separate the within-person (state level) from the between-person (trait level) effects. The results obtained from the RI-CLPMs indicated that fluctuations in school climate perceptions negatively predicted subsequent changes in gaming disorder symptoms among preadolescents at the within-person level, but not among early and late adolescents. Fluctuations relating to gaming disorder symptoms also negatively predicted subsequent changes regarding academic achievement in late adolescents, but not in preadolescents and early adolescents. The effect of school-related factors on gaming disorder symptoms varies across different developmental stages. While preadolescents may represent a particularly susceptible subgroup for gaming disorder in terms of being predicted by their school environment, late adolescents appear to be more vulnerable to predictors of gaming disorder symptoms. The current study also discusses the implications of school-wide programs aimed at improving school climate and preventing the development of gaming disorder symptoms during key developmental periods.

Impact of Social Media Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder on Sleep Quality: Serial Mediation Analyses

Poor sleep quality is a concerning and prevalent consequence of social media addiction (SMA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Due to the lack of research examining how SMA and IGD lead to poor sleep quality, the current study aimed to understand the relationship between SMA and sleep quality, as well as that between IGD and sleep quality, through impulse control and bedtime procrastination. The study tested the hypotheses that higher levels of SMA and IGD would predict lower levels of impulse control, which would then predict higher levels of bedtime procrastination, leading to poorer sleep quality. A serial mediation analysis was performed with a sample of 221 participants (63.3% females, 34.4% males, and 2.3% prefer not to say) aged 18 to 53 years (M = 23.64, SD = 5.72). Participants completed questionnaires that assessed for social media addiction, internet gaming disorder, impulse control factor, bedtime procrastination, and sleep quality. There was a full serial mediation of impulse control and bedtime procrastination in the relationship between SMA and sleep quality, as well as that between IGD and sleep quality, providing support for the hypotheses. The findings provide the knowledge needed to develop and implement strategies that target impulse control issues and reduce bedtime procrastination to improve sleep quality.

A Case Report of Internet Gaming Disorder Treated With Bupropion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Gaming disorder is a growing concern, recognized by the World Health Organization and included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as internet gaming disorder (IGD) for further study. This case report describes a 13-year-old boy diagnosed with IGD according to the proposed DSM-5 criteria. The patient exhibited excessive gaming behavior leading to impaired academic performance and social interaction. Treatment included medication with bupropion and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resulting in significant improvement in gaming habits and social functioning. This case highlights the effectiveness of a combined approach for managing IGD and emphasizes the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies.

Playing for keeps or just playing with emotion? Studying tilt and emotion regulation in video games

Introduction

In video gaming, tilt is thought to relate to poor emotional control and game performance. Despite widespread recognition of tilt in video gaming, there is a lack of research examining tilt empirically.

Methods

One thousand and seven gamers took part in our online study examining gamers experience of tilt, the factors which contribute to and protect against tilt, and the emotion regulation strategies gamers employ to deal with tilt.

Results

Gamers who reported playing for more competitive reasons, were at higher risk of experiencing tilt. Additional factors associated with an increased risk of experiencing tilt were increased anger and more hours spent playing. Protective factors against experiencing tilt were also identified, inclusive of a greater number of years gaming experience and engagement in adaptive emotion regulation strategies.

Discussion

This study provides an important starting point for creating a better understanding of tilt in gaming, equipping us with new knowledge to better support gamers to improve their emotion regulation during game play performance.

Relationships of gaming disorder, ADHD, and academic performance in university students: A mediation analysis

This study investigates the intersection of Gaming Disorder (GD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Grade Point Average (GPA), among university students, a critical demographic often overlooked in research on these disorders. A sample of 348 university students was analyzed using the IGD-20 Test for risk of GD, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) for ADHD symptoms, and GPA as a metric of academic performance. The findings indicate that 4.3% of the surveyed sample scored within the range for GD. The prevalence was higher in males, with 5.3% of the male cohort affected, compared to 1.2% of the female cohort. Significantly, the prevalence of ADHD was substantially higher in the GD group (35.7%) than in the non-GD group (24.2%). Further, ADHD symptoms were found to be a stronger predictor of GD in females than in males. Incorporating the mediating role of Gaming Disorder, this study also probes into how GD may serve as an intermediary in the impact of ADHD on academic performance. By examining the intricate relationship between these disorders, our findings suggest that GD exacerbates the negative effects of ADHD on academic performance, thereby underscoring the potential for Gaming Disorder to act as a bridge in this dynamic. This mediation analysis clarifies how ADHD may indirectly impact academic performance through GD. The study reveals a positive correlation between ADHD symptoms and GD severity, which in turn correlates negatively with academic achievement. In addition, the findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions and highlight the importance of considering the comorbidity of ADHD and GD in academic settings, advocating for systematic screening for GD among students with ADHD, and vice versa. The dual challenges posed by ADHD and GD should be addressed to prevent their escalation into pervasive academic and psychosocial adversities.

Video games and Facebook addiction among Tunisian adolescents: prevalence and associated factors

OBJECTIVES

As social media and online gaming technology have developed very rapidly over the last two decades, their paired issues are of growing concern worldwide. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of video game and Facebook addiction and its predictive factors among Tunisian in school adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among in school adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia, over the first academic term of the 2019-2020 school year using a self-administered questionnaire to a randomly selected representative sample of 1,353 students. The valid Arabic version of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), the Video Game Addiction Scale (GAS-7), the Beck Depression Inventory Short Form (13 items) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED-C) were used to assess facebook addiction disorder (FAD), internet gaming disorder (IGD), depression and anxiety respectively.

RESULTS

More than one in four pupils (26.1 %; CI 95 %: 23.8-28.4 %) were identified as problematic video game users and almost a third of participants (32.5 %; CI 95 %: 30-35 %) reported FAD. IGD was significantly associated with FAD (p<0.001). Likewise, pupils exhibiting depressive symptoms as well as those with anxiety symptoms were significantly more likely to be problematic video games and Facebook users (p<0.001 for each). Being addicted to Facebook (AOR=1.83, 95 % CI: 1.18-2.81), experiencing anxiety disorders (AOR=2.43, 95 % CI: 1.52-3.88), being male (AOR=2.51, 95 % CI: 1.95-3.23) and spending more than 4 h per day surfing the net (AOR=2.55, 95 % CI: 1.65-3.96) were the determinants of IGD in the multivariate analysis. Similarly, being addicted to video games (AOR=1.82, 95 % CI: 1.21-2.73), experiencing anxiety disorders (AOR=1.85, 95 % CI: 1.20-2.86), having experienced academic failure (AOR=1.73, 95 % CI: 1.16-2.56), and spending more than 4 h per day on social media (AOR=3.75, 95 % CI: 2.38-5.90) were the predictors of FAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of problematic use of video games and Facebook is alarmingly high. Identifying risk factors can help screen high-risk adolescents. We need additional prevention measures addressing not just adolescents, but all risk factors.

Does parents' perceived style of setting limits to gaming matter? The interplay between profiles of parental mediation and BIS/BAS sensitivity in problematic gaming and online gambling

INTRODUCTION

Parents try to prevent possible negative outcomes associated with gaming by setting rules on their adolescent's gaming behavior (i.e., restrictive mediation). Parents can use either more autonomy-supportive or more controlling styles to communicate those rules. Using a person-centered approach, this study aims to, first, identify profiles of parents' perceived degree of restrictive mediation in gaming and styles of communicating these rules (i.e., autonomy-supportive and controlling); second, to examine how adolescents in different profiles differ in terms of maladaptive gaming outcomes (i.e., problematic gaming, simulated, and online gambling); third, to investigate the moderating role of gaming frequency and adolescents' personality (i.e., behavioral inhibition system [BIS] sensitivity and behavioral activation system [BAS] sensitivity) in the associations between the parental profiles and the outcomes.

METHODS

The study used quantitative, cross-sectional survey data from Belgian adolescents (N = 1651, mean age = 14.00 years, 51.2% boys), collected between November 2021 and February 2022 in schools.

RESULTS

Cluster analysis yielded four profiles of perceived restrictive mediation: an exclusively controlling one, an autonomy-supportive one, one where parents used a perceived mix of both communication styles, and one where there was an overall perceived lack of restrictive mediation. Adolescents in the controlling profile displayed the most maladaptive outcomes. Some of the associations between the parental profiles and the outcomes were stronger for more frequent gamers and for adolescents scoring higher on both BIS and BAS sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Associations between the parental profiles and gaming outcomes were theoretically meaningful, yet small in terms of effect size.

Parental attachment security and problematic internet use in children: The mediating role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a growing problem among children. Insecure attachment has been associated with PIU and emotion dysregulation. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that maladaptive Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies (CERS), such as Self-blame, Rumination, Catastrophizing and Other-blame, lead to PIU, nevertheless, the mediating role of CERS between attachment and PIU has not been explored. A sample of 641 children (M = 10.15; SD = .89) participated in the study. The findings showed that there were significant differences between problematic and non-problematic users in terms of secure attachment and emotion dysregulation. Results show a negative association between attachment security and PIU and a negative association between attachment and maladaptive CERS, whilst maladaptive CERS were positively related with PIU. Finally, maladaptive CERS, particularly Rumination, were found to mediate the relationship between attachment security and PIU. However, Catastrophizing and Other Blame partially mediated the relationship between maternal attachment, but not the relationship between Father attachment and PIU. Limitations and implications are discussed, motivating the promotion of prevention and intervention programs.

Addicted to socialising and still lonely: A comparative, corpus-driven analysis of problematic social networking site use

Background and Aims

Problematic Social Networking Site Use (PSNSU) is not a formally recognised addiction, but it is increasingly discussed as such in academic research and online. Taking a quantitative, exploratory approach, this study aims to (1) determine whether PSNSU is presented like clinically defined addictions by the affected community and (2) address how well measurements of PSNSU fit with the thematic content found within the associated discourse.

Methods

Four corpora were created for this study: a corpus concerning PSNSU and three control corpora concerning established addictions, including Alcohol Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Disorder and Gaming Disorder. Keywords were identified, collocates and concordances were explored, and shared themes were compared.

Results

Findings show broad thematic similarities between PSNSU and the three control addictions as well as prominent interdiscursive references, which indicate possible confirmation bias among speakers.

Conclusions

Scales based upon the components model of addiction are suggested as the most appropriate measure of this emerging disorder.

Impulsivity and aggression as risk factors for internet gaming disorder among university students

Internet gaming addiction is a global problem, especially among young individuals. Exhibiting characteristics similar to other addictions, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is linked to adverse mental health outcomes. Identified as risk factors for dependence behaviors, the association of impulsivity and aggression with IGD is relatively under-researched in the student population. The present sample of 350 university students (Mage = 21.30 years, SDage = 4.96 years) from Najran university in Saudi Arabia completed an online questionnaire that included the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-15). Results indicated that impulsivity and aggression were positively associated with IGD severity and both personality traits explained 34.6% of the variance in IGD scores. Further bivariate analyses suggested that individuals spending 7 or more hours on internet gaming were more likely to exhibit high impulsivity and aggression, and had a relatively higher severity of IGD. These results suggest that individuals with these personality traits may be more vulnerable to developing an addiction to internet gaming. These findings need to be confirmed in future more robust studies; however, this exploratory study provides insights for potential programs to prevent IGD among young individuals.

The Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder and its Associated Factors Among College Students in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat, India

Background

Internet gaming has become popular in the last few decades; however, very few studies have been conducted on internet gaming in India. This study aimed to investigate internet gaming disorder (IGD), its prevalence, gaming behavior, and effects as well as multiple factors associated with its emergence among college students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved a group of 150 college students. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Statistical analysis was done using Jamovi software.

Findings

A total of 150 college student gamers were involved with a mean age of 18.69±0.10 years. The mean IGD score was 18.74 with a standard deviation of 0.53, while the median score was 18. The prevalence of IGD was 5.3% among the participants. The IGD prevalence was higher in male students and those whose mothers had a high school diploma or higher. Gamers who spent more than2 hours a day on games had significantly higher IGD scores (P<0.05). A significant association was also found between tingling/numbness in the hand while playing and physical pain with IGD (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Spending more time playing online games was significantly associated with a higher risk of IGD. One negative consequence of IGD is the development of physical health issues. It is important to raise awareness about the physical health consequences of excessive gaming among students, parents, institutions, and concerned authorities.

Psychological distress and aggression among adolescents with internet gaming disorder symptoms

The present study aimed to investigate the current situation of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in Chinese adolescents and explore the impact of IGD-related factors on adolescent aggression. We hypothesized that IGD symptoms in adolescents would be associated with aggressive behavior and that risk factors for IGD symptoms could increase the aggressive tendencies of adolescents. To verify the above hypothesis, a cross-sectional survey of junior and senior high school students from southern, southwestern, central, and eastern China was conducted. A total of 9306 valid questionnaires were collected. The results showed that the prevalence of IGD symptoms was 1.78 % among Chinese adolescents. The adolescents in the disordered gamer group had the most severe IGD symptoms, with the highest levels of psychological distress and aggression. Interestingly, adolescents in the casual gamer group had the lowest psychological distress and aggression scores. Linear regression analysis further showed that higher levels of aggression were significantly associated with male sex, younger age, more severe psychological distress and IGD symptoms, and more violent game exposure. Our results suggested that excessive online gaming not only contributes to psychological distress in adolescents but also increases their levels of aggressive behavior. Apart from male sex and younger age, severe IGD symptoms and psychological distress are the most important predictors of the development of aggressive behavior.

The vicious cycle of family dysfunction and problematic gaming and the mediating role of self-concept clarity among early adolescents: A within-person analysis using random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling

Backgrounds and aims

Family dysfunction is a significant risk factor for adolescent problematic gaming, yet few studies have investigated the bidirectional relations between changes in family dysfunction and adolescent problematic gaming and potential mediating mechanisms. This study thus examined the bidirectional relations between family dysfunction and adolescent problematic gaming and the mediating role of self-concept clarity within this relation.

Methods

Participants included 4,731 Chinese early adolescents (44.9% girls; M age = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72) who were surveyed at four time points 6 months apart.

Results

Random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling found (a) family dysfunction directly predicts increased problematic gaming, (b) adolescent problematic gaming directly predicts increased experience of family dysfunction, (c) family dysfunction indirectly predicts problematic gaming via self-concept clarity, and (d) adolescent problematic gaming indirectly predicts family dysfunction via self-concept clarity.

Discussion and conclusions

The present study suggests that adolescents may be trapped in a vicious cycle between family dysfunction and problematic gaming either directly or indirectly through impairing their self-concept clarity. Findings indicate fostering youth self-concept clarity is essential to break the vicious circle between dysfunctional experiences in the family and problematic gaming among adolescents.

The relationship between internet gaming disorder and psychotic experiences: cyberbullying and insomnia severity as mediators

BACKGROUND

The nature of the relationship between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychosis is unclear so far. There is evidence that greater time spent in playing video games may expose players to both insomnia and a toxic online environment with widespread cyberbullying. These two possible consequences of IGD may, in turn, be associated with greater psychotic experiences (PE). Based on this theoretical framework, the present study proposed to contribute the body of the knowledge in this area, by testing the possible indirect effects of insomnia severity, cyber-victimization and cyberbullying in the cross-sectional association between IGD and PE in a sample of Tunisian university students.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study over 4 months (February-May 2022). The Arabic versions of the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Internet Gaming disorder-20 Test, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory-II were administered to a total of 851 students (mean age = 21.26 ± 1.68 years, 53.7% females).

RESULTS

We found that 25% of students were at risk of IGD, and 1.8% had an IGD. The results of the mediation analysis showed that insomnia severity fully mediated the association between IGD and paranoid ideation. Higher IGD was significantly associated with more insomnia severity, which was, in turn, significantly associated with more paranoid ideation. Cyberbullying partly mediated the association between IGD and psychoticism. Higher IGD scores were significantly associated with more cyberbullying, which was, in turn, significantly associated with more psychoticism. Finally, greater IGD was significantly and directly associated with higher psychoticism.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that insomnia and cyberbullying may be regarded as potential targets for youth mental health promotion, as well as community-focused prevention and early intervention in psychosis. More particular attention should be devoted to the huge potential for engaging in cyberbullying among online gamers. Sleep deprivation should be prevented, assessed and treated in heavy gamers.

Psychometric properties of the Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire (POGQ) in a Moroccan sample of university students

BACKGROUND

The Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire (POGQ) instrument consists of 18 items with a six-factor structure. This questionnaire is widely utilized to measure the degree of problematic online gaming, but the scale has not, up to date, been validated in Arabic language. This study aimed to assess POGQ scale validity and reliability in Moroccan context.

METHODS

The research was conducted from April to June 2023 using an online questionnaire. The selected sample involved Moroccan university students. Data were analyzed in two successive phases. First, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the factor structure in the first sample (n1 = 143). Then, this structure was confirmed in the second sample (n2 = 313) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

RESULTS

The EFA and CFA results demonstrated that the POGQ has a six-factor structure explained 72% of the total variance. The results of this analysis provided an optimal fit to the data confirming a good performance of the measurement model (χ² = 243.6; CFI = 0.981; TLI = 0.976; RMSEA = 0.048; NFI = 0.964; IFI = 0. 981; SRMR = 0.022). The instrument showed sufficient reliability and convergent validity demonstrated by acceptable values of composite reliability (CR = 0.68-0.90), and average variance extracted (AVE = 0.50-0.75), respectively. Finally, the Arabic version of POGQ was found to have a high test-retest reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic version of POGQ revealed adequate psychometric properties. As a result, the instrument might be used to measure the degree of problematic online gaming. The use of the POGQ is expected to further promote research on online game dependence treatment and prevention.

Effect of online game policy on smartphone game play time, addiction, and emotion in rural adolescents of China

BACKGROUND

Smartphone game addiction has emerged as a major public health problem in China and worldwide. In November 2019 and August 2021, the National Press and Publication Administration of China implemented two increasingly strict policies, as a means of preventing smartphone game addiction in adolescents aged 18 or below. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the policies on smartphone game play time, addiction, and emotion among rural adolescents in China.

METHODS

We sent the questionnaire to rural adolescents through the online survey tool Questionnaire Star, a professional online survey evaluation platform. The questionnaire included demographic data, smartphone use survey, smartphone game addiction and emotion evaluation scales. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) measured adolescents' smartphone game addiction. The Short Version of UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS-P) and Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC) measured emotion. According to SAS-SV score, the enrolled rural adolescents were divided into addiction group and non-addiction group. The t-test, Chi-square test, and repeated measure ANOVA assessed the effect of the policies on adolescents' smartphone game addiction and emotion.

RESULTS

Among enrolled 459 rural adolescents with a mean age of 14.36 ± 1.37years, 151 (32.90%) were in the addiction group and 308 (67.10%) were in the non-addiction group. Adolescents in the addiction group were older, more male, and higher grade. There were time and group effects between the two groups in playtime. After a year of policies implementation, the weekly game time dropped from 3.52 ± 1.89 h to 2.63 ± 1.93 h in the addiction group and from 2.71 ± 1.75 h to 2.36 ± 1.73 h in the non-addiction group. There were also time and group effects in SAS-SV and SASC scores, but not for SUPPS-P score. In the addiction group, the SAS-SV score dropped from 41.44 ± 7.45 to 29.58 ± 12.43, which was below the cut-off value for addiction, and the level of social anxiety was consistently higher than non-addiction group.

CONCLUSIONS

The playtime of rural adolescents spent on smartphone games has decreased significantly due to the restriction of the policies rather than the lack of addiction or social anxiety. The policies had practically significant effects in reducing smartphone game play time for rural adolescents in China.

Development of a Novel Method of Assessing Potential Loss of Control in Internet Gaming Disorder

As video game play has increased in popularity, so too have reports that a subset of individuals play games in a way that causes negative consequences to their lives, which has resulted in the proposed inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a formal mental health diagnosis. Given the mass popularity of video games, it is critical that screening materials for this proposed disorder are sufficiently sensitive to ensure that individuals who suffer harm are identified, while those who do not are not mislabeled as such. Here we examined the extent to which participants' responses to a typical IGD questionnaire predicted academic behaviors that could be associated with harm. We recruited 42 college students and tracked their gaming and studying habits weekly over the course of one semester, taking particular note of weeks in which participants did or did not have exams. We predicted that college students overall would spend less time engaging with video games and more time with academics when they had exams, but such modulations would be smaller among individuals with more initial IGD symptoms (i.e., the "more IGD symptoms" group, as compared to the "fewer IGD symptoms" group, would show loss of control). We did not find that college students overall spent less time engaging with video games and more time with academics when they had exams, but post-hoc effect size analyses indicated that our study was underpowered. Implications of potential results using this methodology are discussed and estimates of powerful sample sizes are provided.

Internet gaming disorder and psychological well-being among university students in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a serious rising problem affecting people of all ages. Many researchers reported that students' addictive gaming behavior resulted in the loss of function and the development of psychological problems. In this study, we aimed mainly to measure the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among Mansoura University students and find its relationship with psychological well-being.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the academic year (2021-2022) at the University of Mansoura. Students from four different faculties were included. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old. An online Google Form questionnaire gathering the tools (questionnaire of demographic and clinical data, Internet Gaming Disorder Short Form scale, Ryff's scale of psychological well-being) was distributed among them.

RESULTS

In this study, 870 students were included. The age range was 18-25 years. They were divided into three groups: 315 normal gamers (36%), 500 risky gamers (58%), and 55 disordered gamers (6%), with no significant gender difference in each group (p-value = 0.138). A negative correlation was found between IGD and psychological well-being (r = -0.303).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of IGD was 6% among Mansoura University students. Participants in the theoretical faculties who started playing internet gaming at a younger age and spent more than 2 h per week playing and more than 3 h per week thinking about playing internet games were more likely to develop IGD. Whenever IGD scores increased, psychological well-being scores were found to decrease (r = -0.303).

The epidemiology and effects of video game addiction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

With the increasing popularity and accessibility of video games, the public concern about their effects - positive and negative - has also increased. In this regard, this systematic review sought to identify and thematically analyze recent studies (in the last five years) and report on video games' epidemiological characteristics and outcomes. A systematic database search was done on ScienceDirect, APA PsycINFO, Emerald, and Scopus databases for articles published from January 1, 2017, to April 1, 2022. The Meta XL software - an add-in for Microsoft Excel - was used to calculate the pooled prevalence level of video game addiction. The database search yielded a total of 693 non-duplicate articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles were selected to be included in the systematic review. Along with this, 12 articles were considered for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence level of gaming addiction was 5.0 % (95 % CI, 2.1-8.8 %). The I2 value was 99.297 with a p-value of 0.000. The factors that accompanied addictive video gaming were psychological, social, and personal. An addictive gaming behavior was characterized by spending an above-average time on gaming, doing most of the gaming online, and gaming activities interfering with sleep patterns. Some predictors of addictive gaming were emotional dependence, social detachment, increased gaming time, preference for playing online than offline, and increased emotional and psychological stress. Engaging in addictive gaming led to adverse outcomes such as lower academic scores, depression, and anxiety, as well as decreased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and social support. From the collected findings it could be concluded that extreme playing of video games can be classified as addictive. Following the identification of risk factors, appropriate corrective or interventional measures should be developed and applied coherently to newer statistical data.

A Holistic Investigation of the Relationship between Digital Addiction and Academic Achievement among Students

Digital addiction (DA), an umbrella term referring to addiction to any type of digital media, such as the internet, smartphone, digital games, and social media, is a significant factor influencing students' academic achievement (AA). Many scholars have contributed to this line of research from around the world. Nevertheless, the literature lacks a holistic investigation of how the DA-AA research field evolved, which could guide future studies. The current study aims to address this void and conducts a combined bibliometric and science mapping analysis of research addressing the relationship between DA and AA. Data were retrieved from the WoS database, considered one of the optimal databases for such studies with its comprehensive coverage of quality journals. One hundred eighteen articles were included in the final dataset and were analyzed using the SciMAT software, which allowed analysis over three consecutive periods and yielded comparable results regarding the conceptual and thematic evolution of the DA-AA domain. The results indicated an increased research interest in the topic, especially during the last five years. The science mapping analysis showed that the most-studied types of addiction were smartphone addiction for the first two periods and social media addiction for the last. Research in the DA-AA domain which focused on understanding the addictive use of smartphones during the first period, evolved to address factors such as self-efficacy or life satisfaction leading to smartphone addiction and lower grades. During the third period, the number of factors addressed gained significant variety and covered family-related and personal factors.

Mapping the theories, content, and outcomes of family-based interventions for children and young people with gaming disorder: A scoping review protocol

Background  Despite the growth of gaming disorders globally, evidence of the formal involvement of family in treating gaming disorders is limited. When children are affected by gaming disorder, the family may encounter challenges in managing the behavior and in the lack of information regarding the gaming disorder, resulting in inconsistent parenting, which may further exacerbate the problem. Thus, it is essential to involve the family in formal interventions. The current scoping review plans to identify the theories, content, and outcomes of family-based interventions for children and young people with gaming disorders. Methods  This scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The population, Concept, and Context (PCC) were used to develop the review question. The studies published in the indexed databases will be searched systematically, and the reference list of included full texts will be searched for relevant studies. Intervention studies published in English from January 2010 to December 2022 will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies against eligibility criteria. The data will be extracted and presented in a tabular and narrative style. Discussion  This scoping review will help better understand content, outcomes, and theories underpinning family-based interventions for children and young people with gaming disorders. Findings will inform the stakeholders about the current topic and guide the potential research areas. Registration details: The protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework with the DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TXWBH.

Static and dynamic changes of intrinsic brain local connectivity in internet gaming disorder

BACKGROUND

Studies have revealed that intrinsic neural activity varies over time. However, the temporal variability of brain local connectivity in internet gaming disorder (IGD) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the alterations of static and dynamic intrinsic brain local connectivity in IGD and whether the changes were associated with clinical characteristics of IGD.

METHODS

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed on 36 individuals with IGD (IGDs) and 44 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, gender and years of education. The static regional homogeneity (sReHo) and dynamic ReHo (dReHo) were calculated and compared between two groups to detect the alterations of intrinsic brain local connectivity in IGD. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate the severity of online gaming addiction and sleep quality, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between brain regions with altered sReHo and dReHo and IAT and PSQI scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to reveal the potential capacity of the sReHo and dReHo metrics to distinguish IGDs from HCs.

RESULTS

Compared with HCs, IGDs showed both increased static and dynamic intrinsic local connectivity in bilateral medial superior frontal gyrus (mSFG), superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and supplementary motor area (SMA). Increased dReHo in the left putamen, pallidum, caudate nucleus and bilateral thalamus were also observed. ROC curve analysis showed that the brain regions with altered sReHo and dReHo could distinguish individuals with IGD from HCs. Moreover, the sReHo values in the left mSFG and SMA as well as dReHo values in the left SMA were positively correlated with IAT scores. The dReHo values in the left caudate nucleus were negatively correlated with PSQI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed impaired intrinsic local connectivity in frontostriatothalamic circuitry in individuals with IGD, which may provide new insights into the underlying neuropathological mechanisms of IGD. Besides, dynamic changes of intrinsic local connectivity in caudate nucleus may be a potential neurobiological marker linking IGD and sleep quality.

A longitudinal study on the impact of Internet gaming disorder on self-perceived health, academic performance, and social life of first-year college students

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with health, social, and academic problems but whether these are consequences of the disorder rather than precursors or correlates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether IGD in the 1st year of university predicts health, academic and social problems 1 year later, controlling for baseline health, academic and social problems, demographics, and mental health symptoms.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, 1741 university students completed both a baseline online survey in their 1st year and a follow-up survey 1 year later. Log-binomial models examined the strength of prospective associations between baseline predictor variables (IGD, baseline health, academic and social problems, sex, age, and mental health symptoms) and occurrence of health, academic and social problems at follow-up.

RESULTS

When extensively adjusted by the corresponding outcome at baseline, any mental disorder symptoms, sex, and age, baseline IGD was associated only with severe school impairment and poor social life (risk ratio [RR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-2.75, p = .011; RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07-1.38, p = .002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

University authorities and counselors should consider that incoming 1st-year students that meet criteria for IGD are likely to have increased academic and social impairments during their 1st year for which they may want to intervene. This study adds to the existing literature by longitudinally examining a greater array of negative outcomes of IGD than previously documented.

Positive youth development attributes and cyberbullying victimization among Chinese middle school students: A longitudinal moderated mediation model involving internet gaming disorder and depression

As an extension of traditional bullying, cyberbullying emerges with the increasing popularity of the internet, and seriously affects the health of students. However, fewer studies have explored the potential influencing mechanisms of cyberbullying victimization from a positive psychology perspective. Therefore, based on the positive youth development theory, this study will explore the potential mediator and moderator in the relationship between positive youth development (PYD) attributes and cyberbullying victimization through a longitudinal design. 719 students (Mage = 15.95 years, SD = 0.76, 45.2% boy) participated in the study and completed self-report questionnaires on relevant variables. The result found that students' level of PYD significantly and negatively predicted the level of cyberbullying victimization. Meanwhile, SEM analysis showed that PYD influenced individuals' cyberbullying victimization by affecting their internet gaming disorder (IGD), while depression levels moderated the relationship between PYD and IGD. This study examines cyberbullying victimization from a positive psychology orientation, with potential prevention and intervention value.

Depression and internet addiction among adolescents:A meta-analysis

Depression and Internet addiction (IA) are both prevalent and burdensome in adolescents. Findings on the relationship between depression and IA remain equivocal, and we therefore conducted a meta-analysis to confirm their correlation. We searched for relevant studies, with the last search being conducted on November 10, 2022. Adolescents aged 10 to 24 reported objectively measured depression and IA using scales that have been used worldwide and are valid. Random effect models were used to produce combined odds ratios (OR) and coefficient of regression (β) We included 42 studies presenting data from 102,769 participants. The meta-analysis confirmed that depression is positively correlated with IA and vice versa. Adolescents with depressive disorders were found to have a higher risk of IA. Adolescents with IA were found to have a higher risk of depressive disorders. In addition, IA had a stronger effect on depression risk. Screening for Internet addiction in depressed adolescents is recommended at initial diagnosis and follow-up. Similarly, Internet addicts should be screened regularly for depression.

The mediating role of sleep quality on the relationship between internet gaming disorder and perceived stress and suicidal behaviour among Indian medical students

Background

In the recent digital era, individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) have reported a much higher prevalence of poor sleep quality, perceived stress and suicidal behaviour. However, the underlying mechanisms for these psychological problems remain unknown.

Aims

The primary aims of this study were to explore the mediating role of sleep quality on the relationship between IGD and the health outcomes of perceived stress and suicidal behaviour and to assess the prevalence and risk factors for IGD among medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study enrolling 795 medical students from two medical colleges in a rural area of North India was conducted from April to May 2022. The study participants were chosen using a stratified random sampling approach. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, including sociodemographic and personal information and gaming characteristics. The study also included the Gaming Disorder and Hazardous Gaming Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised to measure IGD, sleep quality, perceived stress and suicidal behaviour, respectively. Multiple logistic regression for the risk factors and Pearson's correlation test for the relationship between variables were used. Hayes' PROCESS macro for SPSS was employed to carry out mediation analysis.

Results

Among the 348 gamers with a mean age of 21.03 (SD 3.27) years, the prevalence of IGD was 15.23% (95% confidence interval: 11.6% to 19.4%). In the correlational analysis, small to large (r: 0.32-0.72) significant relationships between scores of IGD and other health outcomes were established. The indirect effect (B=0.300) via sleep quality accounted for 30.62% of the total effect (B=0.982) of IGD on perceived stress (partially mediated), while sleep quality (B=0.174) accounted for 27.93% of the total effect (B=0.623) of IGD on suicidal behaviour (partially mediated). The factors of being male, living in a single-parent family, using the internet for other than academic purposes (1-3 hours and more than 3 hours/day), playing games for more than 3 hours/day and playing games with violent content were associated with IGD symptoms.

Conclusions

Using a dimensional measure, the results specified the relationship between IGD and perceived stress and suicidal behaviour by demonstrating that sleep quality meditated them. This modifiable mediating factor can be addressed by psychotherapy to mitigate the risk of perceived stress and suicidal behaviour among the future medical workforce.

Cross-Cultural Efficacy of the Acceptance and Cognitive Restructuring Intervention Program (ACRIP) on the Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms of Selected Asian Adolescents

Empirical evidence shows that Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) with poor psychological well-being increases. IGD has become an emerging issue of significant public health concern and the World Health Organization has recently recognized it as a mental health condition. This study examined the efficacy of the Acceptance and Cognitive Restructuring Intervention Program (ACRIP) in reducing the symptoms of IGD and improving the psychological well-being of adolescent gamers from select Asian cultures after proving it effective in a prior study in the Indian setting. The development of the ACRIP employed a sequential exploratory research design and randomized controlled trial on thirty participants. Internet Gaming Disorder (IGDS9-SF) and Ryff's Psychological well-being (PWB) scales were used to measure the severity of the gaming disorder and the state of psychological health of the experimental and control groups. Power analysis ascertained the study with a power of 0.90, indicating a strong probability of obtaining a statistically significant effect. Statistical analyses using paired t-test and MANOVA on post-test mean scores on IGD and PWB of the experimental group showed a significant difference which suggested that the ACRIP is efficacious and culture-free.

Gender differences and left-behind experiences in the relationship between gaming disorder, rumination and sleep quality among a sample of Chinese university students during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and aims

Studies have shown that gaming disorder (GD) is associated with rumination and poor sleep quality. However, the reciprocal relationship between GD, rumination and sleep quality is unclear. Moreover, the differences between gender and between left-behind experiences in the aforementioned relationship remain unknown. Therefore, the present study examined gender differences and left-behind experiences in the relationship between GD, rumination, and sleep quality among a sample of Chinese university students during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic using a network analysis approach.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of 1,872 Chinese university students was conducted comprising demographic information (age, gender, and left-behind experience), gaming experience, gaming frequency, Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), Short Version of Rumination Response Scale (RRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

Among Chinese university students, the prevalence of (i) GD was 3.5% and (ii) sleep disturbance was 14%. GD had positive and weak connection with rumination and sleep quality in the domain-level relational network. The network structures and global strengths both showed no significant differences between gender and between left-behind experiences. The nodes gd3 ("continuation or escalation of gaming") and gd4 ("gaming problems") had the strongest edge in the network.

Conclusion

The results suggest reciprocal relationships between GD, rumination, and sleep quality. Gender and left-behind experiences did not influence the reciprocal relationship between GD, rumination, and sleep quality during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Using network analysis, the findings provide novel insights that rumination and sleep quality may have interacted with GD among Chinese students during the late stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Reducing or eliminating negative rumination may decrease GD and improve sleep quality. Moreover, good sleep quality contributes to positive rumination which may decrease the risk of GD among Chinese university students.

Differences between recreational gamers and Internet Gaming Disorder candidates in a sample of Animal Crossing: New Horizons players

Throughout the last decade, research has considered players' gaming motives as risk and the perceived social support (PSS) as protective factors in the context of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). However, the literature is lacking diversity regarding the representation of female gamers as well as of casual and console-based games. The aim of this study was to assess IGD, gaming motives, and PSS comparing recreational gamers and IGD candidates in a sample of Animal Crossing: New Horizons players. A total of 2909 ACNH players (93.7% of them female gamers) took part in an online survey which collected demographic, gaming-related, motivational, and psychopathologic data. Using the cut-off of at least five positive answers to the IGDQ, potential IGD candidates were identified. ACNH players reported a high prevalence rate for IGD (10.3%). IGD candidates differed from recreational players regarding age, sex, and game-related, motivational, and psychopathological variables. A binary logistic regression model was computed to predict membership in the potential IGD group. Age, PSS, escapism and competition motives as well as psychopathology were significant predictors. To discuss IGD in the context of casual gaming, we consider demographic, motivational, and psychopathological player characteristics as well as game design and the COVID-19 pandemic. IGD research needs to broaden its focus concerning game types as well as gamer populations.

The relationship between parental neglect and cyberbullying perpetration among Chinese adolescent: The sequential role of cyberbullying victimization and internet gaming disorder

Cyberbullying perpetration and victimization have been common public health issues that have impaired the development of adolescent physical and mental health. Abundant research has proven associations between negative parental factors and cyberbullying perpetration. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the impact of parental neglect on cyberbullying and its internal mechanisms. Based on the parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory) and the general aggression model (GAM), the present study constructs a sequential mediation model in which parental neglect is related to adolescent cyberbullying perpetration through cyberbullying victimization and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Using random cluster sampling, a total of 699 middle school students (M age = 14.18 years, SD = 1.22, and 324 boys) were recruited from five schools in three provinces on mainland China. The participants completed questionnaires regarding parental neglect, cyberbullying perpetration, cyberbullying victimization, and IGD. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that parental neglect was positively associated with cyberbullying perpetration. The mediating effects of cyberbullying victimization and IGD in this relationship are significant both individually and jointly. The current findings have important implications for enlightening families and schools to pay particular attention to adolescents' experiences of parental neglect and provide them with timely feedback and assistance. This will contribute to the prevention and reduction of adolescent involvement in cyberbullying perpetration.

Is internet gaming disorder associated with suicidal behaviors among the younger generation? Multiple logistic regressions on a large-scale purposive sampling survey

The ubiquity of Internet gaming as part of the younger generation's (11-35 year-olds) lifestyle to-day warrants a deeper understanding of its impact on their mental health. In particular, there has been scant research investigating the link between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and suicidal behaviors in this demographic group, even though several mental health symptoms of the former are known risk factors for the latter. This paper aims to establish the presence or absence of association between IGD and each of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempt among the younger generation. A large-scale online survey on Internet gamers in Hong Kong was conducted in February 2019. 3430 respondents were recruited through purposive sampling. Study samples were stratified into distinct age groups and multiple logistic regression was conducted for each measured suicidal behavior in each age group. After controlling for sociodemographics, Internet usage, self-reported bullying perpetration and bullying victimization, social withdrawal, and self-reported psychiatric diagnoses such as depression and psychosis, analyses revealed that adolescent (11-17 year-old) gamers with IGD were more likely than their peers who had no IGD to have had suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempt in their lifetime. These associations did not hold for 18-35 year-old gamers. Findings suggest that it may be prudent to recognize IGD as a growing public mental health priority for the young populace, particularly adolescents. Existing suicide prevention efforts can be complemented through screening adolescents for IGD, and could be expanded to online gaming platforms to reach more hidden at-risk individuals.

Lack of educational impact of video game addiction in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD: A cross-sectional study

Introduction

The use of video games has become widespread worldwide. Excessive use of video games is increasingly becoming a matter of concern, particularly in patients diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, internet gaming disorder (IGD) is not included within the DSM-5-chapter Disorders related to substances and addictive disorders.

Methods

This is a post-hoc descriptive naturalistic study comparing children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD with and without IGD. We used the 85% cut-off point of the test ADITEC-V for video game addiction to split our sample of ADHD patients into those with IGD (>=85%) and those without IGD (<85%).

Results

13 (25%) out of the 51 children and adolescents with ADHD included in our study had an IGD. Patients with IGD had a first contact with internet, smartphones, and videogames at a very early age (5.67 ± 3.31, 6.33 ± 4.60, and 7.50 ± 2.61, respectively). However, only age at first contact with the internet was statistically significantly different when comparing ADHD patients with and without IGD (8.68 ± 2.71 vs. 5.67 ± 3.31, t = 3.166, df = 47, p = 0.01). Different neurodevelopmental, clinical, and neuropsychological measures converging in impulsivity is a risk factor for IGD. Unexpectedly, we found no association between IGD and poor academic achievement.

Discussion

Future studies may include randomized controlled trials for treating IGD, the study of social adjustment as a protective factor against developing an IGD, and the role of serious and non-serious video games in the development of an IGD, among others. Additional research is clearly needed on IGD.

Parental marital conflict and internet gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents: The multiple mediating roles of deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship

A considerable amount of evidence suggests that parental marital conflict is an important factor in adolescents' internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between parental marital conflict and IGD among Chinese adolescents, and whether this relationship is mediated by deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship. There were 698 Chinese adolescents that took part in the study (51.58% male; Mage = 13.52). They completed self-report questionnaires regarding perception of parental marital conflict, deviant peer affiliation, teacher-student relationship and IGD. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to examine the relationship between parental marital conflict and adolescents' IGD, as well as the mediating roles of deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between parental marital conflict, deviant peer affiliation, and IGD, as well as a negative correlation between them and teacher-student relationship. The results of the SEM showed that parental marital conflict not only predicts adolescent IGD directly, but also through the mediation effects of deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship. Additionally, deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship not only play an independent but also a sequential mediating effect in the relationship between parental marital conflict and IGD. The relationship between parental marital conflict and IGD is mediated by deviant peer affiliation and teacher-student relationship, which has potential prevention and intervention value for adolescent IGD.

Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among Saudi Arabian university students: relationship with psychological distress

Background and aim

Given the exponential growth of the gaming industry, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) merits further research. This study investigated the prevalence of IGD among Saudi Arabian university students and its relationship with the level of functioning, psychological distress, and potential for comorbid depression, as well as the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on gaming behavior.

Materials and methods

306 participants were randomly selected from various Saudi Arabian universities and surveyed using the 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20 Test), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler-6).

Results

The estimated prevalence of IGD was 10.1%, and significantly higher risk was observed among IGD and respective at risk groups with psychological distress. Moreover, 67.4% of the participants reported an increase in playtime during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the Kesseler-6, psychological distress was observed in 19.9% of the participants.

Conclusions

This study suggests that IGD is a growing mental health risk associated with a dysfunctional impact and psychological distress.

Occurrence of problematic Internet use and its correlates among Egyptian adolescent students in international schools in Cairo

Background

Internet addiction is a global phenomenon that has been a topic of great interest to researchers, clinicians, teachers, parents, and community groups. The study aims in determination of the rate of problematic Internet use among a sample of Egyptian adolescent students, relations of problematic Internet use with socio-demographic data, risk factors, and comorbid psychiatric disorders. A sample of 248 Egyptian adolescent school students aged 11 to 18 years old were assessed using the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) Scale, Social Media Disorder (SMD) Scale, Youth Self-Report (YSR), and The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children and adolescents (Mini KID).

Results

Among the study sample, 42.3% of the students suffered from mild Internet addiction, 35.1% suffered from moderate Internet addiction, and 3.6% suffered from severe addiction. 31.5% were risky gamers and 10.5% were disordered gamers; 34.3% had problematic social media disorder and the highest observed psychiatric disorders were major depressive episodes 9.3%, generalized anxiety disorder 7.7%, alcohol dependence 4.4%, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 4.4%, social phobia 4%, and a higher percentage of psychiatric disorders among severe Internet addiction 88.9% and among moderate addiction 70.6%, disordered gamers 92.3%, problematic social media users 60%, and a higher mean of hours spent online per day of 6.8 h per day.

Conclusions

Problematic Internet use has a negative impact on Egyptian adolescent students in international schools in study sample and adds to the existing literature regarding the magnitude of Internet addiction and its relationship with different psychiatric disorders.

People with passive sleep delay have more severe depression and sleep problems than those with active sleep delays-a cross-sectional study after the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effect of different types of sleep delay in depression and sleep characteristics after the pandemic. Meanwhile, risk factors for depression were also explored.

Methods

The survey was conducted in Wuhan from March 1 to May 30, 2021, and participants were recruited through a snowball process. A total of 1,583 people with sleep delays responded to the invitation, of which 1,296 were enrolled. Participants filled out a questionnaire including social demographics, sleep characteristics, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

There were no significant differences in sex, social support and level of education between the two types of sleep delay (p = 0.961, p = 0.110, p = 0.090), but the average age of the passive sleep delay group was higher (p = 0.015). And most people with active sleep delay were caused by the use of electronic devices (73.6%), while most people with passive sleep delay were caused by work or study tasks (73.2%), with a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). People who actively delayed sleep had more regular sleep (p < 0.001), better sleep quality and longer sleep duration (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). In addition, although they delayed sleep more frequently (p < 0.001), they had significantly lower depression degree than people who passively delayed sleep (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Passive sleep delays, usually caused by work or study, has higher levels of depression and more adverse sleep behaviors than active sleep delay. The findings help further understand the effects of delayed sleep and provide insight for people with delayed sleep to evaluate their own condition. Future studies are required to standardize and accurately classify sleep delay and further explore it.

Relationship between Medical Students' Perceived Stress and Gaming Behavior at King Saud University

Gaming addiction has gradually developed among medical students and has been a contentious topic for nearly a decade. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of gaming addiction among medical students at King Saud University and examining the relationship between perceived stress levels and gaming addiction. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 370 students from 2019 to 2020 using a self-reporting questionnaire consisting of two validated test scales: the Gaming Disorder Test and the Perceived Stress Scale. The questionnaire was sent to all students through an email. Descriptive analyses and t-test statistical tests were used in this study. The prevalence rate of gaming addiction was found to be 4.6%, while the prevalence of perceived stress was confirmed at 95.9%. Students with excellent GPAs and high family income were associated (p < 0.001). Younger groups, females, and students with high family incomes showed higher levels of perceived stress than others. According to Pearson's correlation, gaming addiction was not significantly correlated with stress among medical students (p > 0.05). According to chi-square test also, no significant association was found between gaming disorder and perceived stress (χ ² = 4.412; p = 0.353). In conclusion, gaming addiction among medical students has scored low prevalence, indicating gaming is not a factor contributing to stress among this group. The high level of perceived stress among medical students should draw attention to the provision of regular psychological care.

Facebook use intensity and depressive symptoms: a moderated mediation model of problematic Facebook use, age, neuroticism, and extraversion

BACKGROUND

Research on the relationship between Facebook use intensity and depressive symptoms has resulted in mixed findings. In contrast, problematic Facebook use has been found to be a robust predictor of depressive symptoms. This suggests that when intense Facebook use results in a problematic usage pattern, it may indirectly predict depressive symptoms. However, this mediation pathway has never been examined. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the possible indirect relationship between Facebook use intensity and depressive symptoms through problematic Facebook use is moderated by demographic (age), and personality (neuroticism and extraversion) characteristics.

METHODS

To address these gaps, we conducted an online cross-sectional study (n = 210, 55% female, age range: 18-70 years old, M_age = 30.26, SD = 12.25). We measured Facebook use intensity (Facebook Intensity Scale), problematic Facebook use (Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised), and neuroticism and extraversion (Ten Item Personality Inventory).

RESULTS

A mediation analysis revealed that problematic Facebook use fully mediates the relationship between Facebook use intensity and depressive symptoms. Moreover, a moderated mediation analysis demonstrated that this indirect relationship is especially strong among young users and users scoring high on neuroticism.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between Facebook use intensity and depressive symptoms and describe user characteristics that act as vulnerability factors in this relationship.

Parental Factors Associated With Internet Gaming Disorder Among First-Year High School Students: Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Parents play central roles in adolescents' socialization, behavioral development, and health, including the development of internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, longitudinal research on the parental predictors of adolescent IGD is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the reciprocal associations between various parental factors and adolescent IGD using 2-wave cross-lagged models.

METHODS

A sample of 1200 year-one high school students in central China completed a baseline assessment in 2018 (mean age 15.6 years; 633/1200, 52.8% male) and a follow-up survey in 2019. IGD was measured using the 9-item DSM-5 IGD Symptoms checklist. Perceptions related to parental variables, including psychological control, parental abuse, parental support, and the parent-child relationship, were also collected from the adolescents.

RESULTS

Of all the participants, 12.4% (148/1200) and 11.7% (140/1200) were classified as having IGD at baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2), respectively. All 4 cross-lagged models fit the data well (range for the comparative fit index .91-.95; range for the standardized root mean square residual .05-.06). Parental support (β=-.06, P=.02) and parental abuse (β=.08, P=.002) at T1 predicted IGD symptoms at T2, while parental psychological control (β=.03, P=.25) and a positive relationship with parents (β=-.05, P=.07) at T1 had nonsignificant effects on IGD symptoms at T2, when controlling for background variables. In addition, IGD symptoms at T1 did not predict parental factors at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that parental factors may be significant predictors of adolescent IGD. Health interventions should consider involving parents to increase the effectiveness of treatment to prevent and reduce adolescent IGD.

Risk factors and outcomes of internet gaming disorder identified in Korean prospective adolescent cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is known to cause various psychological and physical complications. Through data collected from an adolescent prospective longitudinal cohort, we examined how IGD is related to lifestyle and physical symptoms, as well as the temporal relationship between them.

METHODS

This study was conducted as part of iCURE (Internet user Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of gaming disorder in Early Adolescence) in Korea between 2015 and 2019. Sleep and physical activity time, dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents were measured at baseline and followed-up after one year. IGD risk was evaluated using the Internet Game Use - Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS). The association between IGD risk and measured variables was analyzed, both at baseline and at follow-up after one year.

RESULTS

At baseline, the IGD risk group had significantly less physical activity time and sleep time and had more dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents than the IGD non-risk group. Additionally, in the IGD risk group at baseline, dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents occurred significantly more after one year of follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that IGD is a significant risk factor that increases the probability of physical disease and trauma in adolescents. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing IGD risk and protecting the physical and mental health of adolescents are imperative.

The prevalence and possible risk factors of internet gaming disorder among adolescents and young adults: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

As a spreading addictive behaviour in recent years, internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been studied a lot and the overall research results indicate that IGD has a high prevalence among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). To update the status quo of prevalence, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive analyses.

METHODS

On the premise of following the PRISMA statement, the study conducted two systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the global prevalence of IGD among AYAs and identify its possible risk factors. To achieve the goals, PubMed and CNKI databases were used to select the concerned studies published up to May 31, 2021. Heterogeneity was assessed using a funnel plot, Begg's test, Egger's test, and trim-and-fil method, followed by sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

For the meta-analysis of prevalence, 407,620 participants from 155 reports in 33 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of IGD among AYAs was 9.9% (95% CI: 8.6%-11.3%, P = 0.000, I² = 94.4%), including 8.8% (95% CI: 7.5%-10.0%) among adolescents and 10.4% (95% CI: 8.8%-11.9%) among young adults. The following 12 factors are the possible risk factors of IGD among AYAs, which are stress, long average game time, family dysfunction, poor academic performance, being bullied, bullying, interpersonal problems, hyperactivity/inattention, anxiety, depression, emotional distress and low self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the prevalence and possible risk factors for IGD among AYAs. It's valuable in understanding the threat of IGD and finding intervention strategies for IGD among AYAs.

Prevalence of gaming addiction and its impact on sleep quality: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan

Background

Gaming addiction has become a topic of increasing research interest worldwide but little research has been carried out in Pakistan.

Aims

The present study assessed the prevalence of gaming addiction among a Pakistani sample of adults in the general population. It also explored the effects of online gaming addiction upon sleep quality.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was carried out during a national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Using a convenience sampling technique, an online survey comprising demographic information, the Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was completed by 618 participants (67.5% male) aged 18–56 years (M = 24.53 years, SD = ±5.016).

Results

Out of 618 participants, 57.0% (n=352) played online games. Among gamers, 12.5% (n = 44) were classed as addicted to the gaming based on GAS scores. Compared to those not addicted to gaming, participants with gaming addiction had significantly poorer subjective sleep quality, higher sleep disturbance, lesser sleep duration, and higher daytime dysfunction. Gaming addiction was also more prevalent among males compared to females.

Conclusion

Gaming addiction among the Pakistani general population is significantly associated with poor sleep quality. This problem needs to be addressed at both individual and societal levels to avoid adverse long-term health impacts.

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Problematic gaming behavior has been identified as one of the emerging public health issues, especially among adolescents and young adults.

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Gaming addiction in the Pakistani population affected a significant minority (based on GAS scores) and was associated with poor sleep quality.

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Gaming addiction was found to be more prevalent among males compared to females.

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Psychoeducation on the knowledge of gaming for general population of Pakistan may be used to be a preventive method to improve their sleep.