Internet Gaming Disorder profiles and their associations with social engagement behaviours

The effect of reward learning on inhibitory control in internet gaming disorder: Evidence from behavioral and ERP

Reward dysregulation and deficits in inhibitory control significantly contribute to the development of internet gaming disorder (IGD). While prior research demonstrates that reward history influences individuals' inhibitory control, it remains unclear whether this effect extends to individuals with IGD. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether individuals with IGD exhibit impairments in reward learning and whether prior reward learning influences their inhibitory control, using both behavioral and event-related potential (ERP) measures. This study first employed a probability selection task to examine potential impairments in reward learning among individuals with IGD. Next, a stop-signal task incorporating reward- and punishment-associated stimuli was used to further investigate the behavioral and electroencephalographic effects of prior reward learning on subsequent inhibitory control. Results revealed that during the reward-learning phase, the IGD group exhibited significantly longer response times than the control group in both the learning and transfer phases. Additionally, the feedback-related negativity amplitude in the IGD group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conversely, the P3 wave amplitude induced by positive and negative feedback in the IGD group were significantly higher than in the control group. In the inhibitory control phase following reward learning, the Nogo-P3 wave amplitude in response to reward cues was significantly greater in the IGD group than in the control group. Moreover, within the IGD group, the Nogo-P3 wave amplitude evoked by reward cues was significantly larger than the amplitude evoked by loss cues. These findings suggest that reward learning is impaired in individuals with IGD and that stimuli with a prior reward history may compromise inhibitory control, potentially serving as a critical factor in addiction development in this population.

Profiling gamers: The role of mental health, attachment and social factors in gaming behaviors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study examines the association of mental health, social and relational contexts, and gaming-related characteristics on the psychological profiles of video game players based on emotional regulation and motivations for gaming.

METHODS

A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted on an international sample of 5.255 gamers aged 16 to 69 (M = 25.6 years, SD = 6.46). Participants included 49.87 % men (M = 26.4, SD = 7.06), 43.24 % women (M = 25.1, SD = 5.77), and 9.29 % non-binary individuals (M = 23.3, SD = 5.24) from 112 countries. Mental health, attachment styles, social interactions, and gaming behaviors were analyzed into four profiles: avoidant, engaged, relational, and dysregulated.

RESULTS

The avoidant profile, linked to older gamers, exhibited low distress, secure attachment, and offline social preferences, reflecting healthier habits. The engaged profile, the largest group, showed secure attachment and active integration of gaming into social contexts. The relational profile presented insecure attachment and emotional regulation difficulties. The dysregulated profile, associated with younger gamers, was characterized by high distress, emotional dysregulation, substance use, and a preference for online interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The profiles dysregulated and relational are associated with insecure attachment and mental health difficulties, whereas the profiles engaged and avoidant are associated with secure attachment and low levels of psychological distress. These findings underscore the complex interplay of psychological, social, and gaming-related factors associated with gaming profiles, offering insights for further study on harm prevention and promoting non-problematic gaming behaviors.

Internet gaming disorder and suicidal behaviors mediated by sleep disturbance: a large-scale school-based study in 135,174 Chinese middle school students

Emerging research suggests a positive association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and suicidal behaviors. However, existing studies predominantly focus on suicidal ideation rather than suicide attempts and often do not adequately control for potential psychological confounders. The mechanism linking IGD to suicidality remains unclear. This study aims to assess the independent association between IGD and suicidal behaviors and to examine the mediating role of sleep disturbance among Chinese adolescents. We recruited 135,174 middle school students from Zigong City using cluster sampling. Data on demographics, suicidal ideation, and suicidal attempts were collected. IGD was assessed using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Mental distress, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity/inattention, conduct problems, sleep problems, and psychotic experiences, was evaluated using standardized questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models and mediation analysis were conducted. The prevalence rates of IGD, suicidal behaviors, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts were 1.6%, 16.7%, 11.9%, and 9.8%, respectively. Adolescents with IGD showed a significantly higher risk for suicidality: nearly 60% reported suicidal behaviors, 50% reported suicidal ideation, and 40% reported suicide attempts. Both IGD and gaming usage were independently linked to suicidal behaviors. Sleep disturbance partially mediated the relationship between IGD and suicidal behaviors, accounting for 47.0% of the total effect. Our studies call for timely and regular assessments for suicidality and sleep disturbance in IGD. Targeted interventions addressing sleep disturbance might reduce suicidal risk among adolescents with IGD.

The internet gaming disorder and its associated factors among college students at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) or video gaming has been considered by World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) as a disease. WHO defines IGD as a disease with a pattern of uncontrollable gaming behavior, characterized by increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the point that gaming takes precedence over most interests and activities of daily living.

Objectives

This research aims to estimate the prevalence and examine the association of IGD scores with gender, age, sleeping hours, academic performance, and occurrence of arguing with others post-gaming among college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2022 at (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1005 college students filled out an online self-administered questionnaire developed based on an extensive literature review and pilot study.

Results

More than two-thirds (76.1%) of students are active gamers. The majority (65.8%) reported no effects of gaming on daily activities. yet, one-third considered games as the most daily time-consuming activity. The majority are playing games to relieve stress. Interestingly, male and senior students had the highest IGD scores (P = 0.017, P = 0.072, respectively). Unfortunately, there were associations between high IGD scores and having fewer sleeping hours as well as low academic performance (P = 0.046, P = 0.047, respectively). Negative social effects include arguing after gaming was significantly linked with higher IGD scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

IGD was prevalent among college students. There was no impact of games on students' daily activities; however, gaming was the most time-consuming part of daily activity for the remaining students. Most college students were playing games to feel better. Higher IGD score was associated with male, senior students, less sleeping hours, poor academic performance, and post-gaming arguments with others.

Longitudinal Interactions between Problematic Internet Gaming and Symptoms of Depression Among University Students: Differentiating Anhedonia and Depressed Mood

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study examines the interplay between problematic internet gaming (PIG) and depressive symptoms among university students, specifically anhedonia and depressed mood. Prior studies lacked distinction between these symptoms and had limited follow-ups.

METHOD

The three-wave longitudinal study analyzed data from 1,720 university students (with an average age of 20 years and 49 % being female) using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model, which distinguished between-person and within-person effects.

RESULTS

At the between-person level, PIG was positively associated with two depressive symptoms. At the within-person level, PIG positively predicted future anhedonia. Besides, depressed mood positively predicted future PIG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have identified PIG as a risk factor for anhedonia and depressed mood as a risk factor for PIG among university students.

The effects of negative life events on college students' problematic online gaming use: a chain-mediated model of boredom proneness regulation

The study investigated the impact of negative life events on college students' problematic online gaming use, as well as the mediating role of basic psychological needs and anxiety, and the moderating effect of boredom proneness. A total of 1,102 college students were surveyed by using the Adolescent Negative Life Events Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, GAD-7, DSM-5, and Boredom Proneness Scale. From the sample, 881 participants with experience in online gaming were selected for the study. The results showed that: (1) Controlling for gender and grade, negative life events significantly and positively predicted problematic online gaming use. (2) Basic psychological needs and anxiety played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and problematic online gaming use. (3) Boredom proneness significantly moderated the first half of the model. Basic psychological needs and anxiety mediate the relationship between negative life events and college students' problematic online gaming use. Moreover, under conditions of low boredom proneness, the independent mediating effect of basic psychological needs and the mediating effect of basic psychological needs and anxiety are enhanced, while the independent mediating effect of anxiety is weakened.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult gamers and their relationship with addictive behaviors: A latent profile analysis

BACKGROUND

There is limited research examining latent profiles of gamers based on emotional variables, which has implications for prevention efforts. The study sought to identify young adult gamer profiles based on depression, anxiety, and stress, and to examine differences between the latent profiles in other addictive behaviors (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, illegal substance use, gaming, and gambling).

METHODS

A total of 1209 young adults (Mage = 19.37, SD = 1.62; 55.3%males) reported past-year gaming. A latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to identify distinct profiles, and a set of ANOVA and chi-square analyses characterized the profiles in terms of sociodemographic, addictive behaviors, and emotional variables.

RESULTS

LPA suggested a three-profile solution: profile 1 (n = 660, 'low emotional distress'), profile 2 (n = 377, 'moderate emotional distress'), and profile 3 (n = 172, 'high emotional distress'). Participants with 'moderate' and 'high emotional distress' were mostly women, showed greater gaming severity, higher prevalence of past-month substance use (i.e., tobacco and illegal drugs), and greater consequences of alcohol use.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional nature of the study and sample being university students.

CONCLUSION

Findings revealed three distinct profiles of gamers, which differed in emotional, gaming, and substance use severity. Transdiagnostic prevention programs have the potential to provide significant benefits to college students by addressing the core processes (e.g., emotion regulation) that underlie substance use and gaming.

Comprehensive analysis including in-game spending and violent game playing in patients with internet gaming disorder

AIM

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is receiving increasing attention. In particular, violent gameplay or in-game spending affects the psychiatric conditions and economic difficulties of patients. We conducted regression analysis and path analysis to investigate the associations between a comprehensive list of factors in patients with IGD, including the degree of internet or gaming dependence, developmental problems, family background, severity of depression, sleeping habits, in-game spending, and first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person shooter (TPS) game playing.

METHODS

The participants were 47 Japanese individuals (39 males and 8 females) aged ≤20 years diagnosed with IGD with complete data from the internet addiction test, autism spectrum quotient, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All participants were asked whether their parents have divorce history, whether they have siblings, whether they play FPS or TPS games, and whether they engage in in-game spending. Firstly, we compared these factors between males and females; secondly, we conducted regression analysis and path analysis in male patients.

RESULTS

As for simple comparison between sex, female patients showed greater severity of IGD and depressive score. In regression analysis of male patients, significant associations were found between FPS or TPS game playing and in-game spending. We also created path diagrams.

CONCLUSION

The results of the comprehensive analyses suggest the possibility that bidirectional synergistic effects could be achieved by gradually reducing both violent game playing and in-game spending. The concept of internet dependence has a wide range of meanings, and for each subtype, it is important to consider the background that led to the dependence to make individualized environmental adjustments and provide psychotherapy.

Burnout profiles among esports players: Associations with mental toughness and resilience

The present study investigated burnout among esports players and its association with mental toughness and resilience. Esports players (N = 453; Mage = 23.0, SD = 4.18; in the top 40% of in-game rank) from seven team-based esports completed the Athlete Burnout Scale (ABO-S), Mental Toughness Questionnaire 18 (MTQ-18), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Latent profile analysis identified three distinct burnout profiles: "low burnout risk" (LBR; 33.8%), "medium burnout risk" (MBR; 28.0%), and "high burnout risk" (HBR; 38.3%). Low burnout profiles were associated with higher mental toughness and resilience. The LBR profile was characterized by low levels of reduced accomplishment (RA), physical exhaustion (PE), and negative feelings (NF), while [MBR and HBR reported similar PE and NF scores but] differed in RA, with HBR showing the highest RA and total burnout. This study is the first to show distinct burnout profiles among esports players, indicating a significant prevalence of burnout symptoms. This should be monitored by both players and support staff (e.g. club managers, programme managers, and high-performance support staff). Additionally, mental toughness and resilience appear to play a protective role against burnout.

Gaming Disorder: The role of a gamers flow profile

Digital games are widely popular and integral to contemporary entertainment. Nevertheless, a proportion of users present with disordered/excessive gaming behaviours, provisionally classified as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Previous literature suggests examining the contribution of an individual's profile of immersive engagement with their gaming activity, known as online flow, for disordered gaming behaviours. Therefore, the main goals of this study were (1) to categorise gamers into distinct profiles based on their online flow experiences and (2) to investigate the differences in disordered gaming among these different flow profiles. A sample of 565 gamers (12-68 years, Mage = 29.3 years) was assessed twice over six months with the Online Flow Questionnaire (OFQ), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), and the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT). Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five distinct profiles encompassing 'High-Flow with High Loss of Control' (HF-HLOC; 14.0 %), 'Low Flow with Low Enjoyment' (LF-LE; 11.9 %), 'Average Flow with Low Enjoyment' (AF-LE; 17.5 %), 'Low Flow with High Enjoyment' (LF-HE; 20.2 %), and 'High Loss of Sense of Time with Low Loss of Control' groups (HLOT-LLOC; 36.5 %). As hypothesised, individuals across varying profiles evidenced differences in their concurrent and longitudinal disordered gaming behaviours. Overall, findings suggest that 'loss of sense of time' may be the most pivotal factor in differentiating flow states and profiles during gaming, advocating its consideration in disordered gaming assessment and treatment.

The association between anxiety and internet addiction among left-behind secondary school students: the moderating effect of social support and family types

BACKGROUND

The left-behind children (LBC), children and adolescents aged 0-18 whose parents have migrated for economic purposes for extended periods exceeding three months, present a unique social concern. These children remain in their place of household registration, often under the guardianship of relatives, while receiving compulsory education. LBC with growing Internet addiction (IA) have made it urgent to take a close look at the mechanisms and effective interventions for them. Anxiety has been proven to be correlated with IA in adolescents; however, the mechanisms of addiction in this population are less well-fully grasped. Based on the current theories and empirical results, the study examined whether and how social support (SS) and family types moderated the associations between anxiety and IA among left-behind secondary students.

METHODS

Stratified cluster sampling survey. A questionnaire was administered to 5290 secondary school children (2553 classified as left-behind) to explore the relationships between anxiety, IA, left-behind types, family types, and social support. This cross-sectional study employed a stratified cluster sampling survey of students in the ethnic areas of southeast Chongqing. The study sought to appraise the relationships between anxiety and IA in different types of left-behind children and to assess the potential moderating effect of SS on the relationship among the population and its family types differences.

RESULTS

The relationship between anxiety and IA was moderated significantly by social support and family types. Notably, the impact of social support on the moderating effect between IA and anxiety varied among students from both family types. For students from families where both parents had migrated, social support weakened the association between IA and anxiety. Conversely, for students from single-parent families where the parent had migrated, social support seemed to strengthen the relationships between these two issues.

CONCLUSIONS

The moderating effects of SS on the relationship between anxiety and IA differs based on family type among various groups of left-behind secondary students. Gaining insights into the IA mechanisms can guide the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed at minimizing IA among diverse groups of left-behind students.

Disrupted inter-brain synchronization in the prefrontal cortex between adolescents and young adults with gaming disorders during the real-world cooperating video games

BACKGROUND

Gaming disorder (GD) and hazardous gaming (HG) have a high incidence among adolescents and young adults and have caused various negative consequences. Interpersonal interaction deficits are closely related to GD and HG, however, the underlying brain mechanisms are still unclear.

METHODS

The current study recruited 46 healthy subjects and 32 subjects with GD/HG. Gaming time and frequency, gaming disorder risks, life events, strengths, and difficulties were measured with scales. Subjects were randomly paired into 12 HC-HC dyads, 15 GD/HG-HC dyads, and 7 GD/HG-GD/HG dyads and in pairs completed a real-world cooperating video game - "Tied Together" with functional near-infrared spectroscopy hyperscanning recording in the prefrontal cortex. The inter-brain synchronization in each region of the PFC between dyads was calculated by wavelet to transform coherence to measure brain-to-brain synchronization.

RESULTS

We found subjects with GD/HG reported higher risks of gaming. The highest IBS in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly decreased in the GD/HG-HC and GD/HG-GD/HG dyads compared with healthy controls. A decreasing highest IBS of the left dlPFC was related to a decreasing level of peer problems.

LIMITATIONS

We declare limitations of age gaps of samples, undistinguishing GD from HG, use of sub-samples, and the broad concept of interpersonal interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study found a decreased highest IBS in the left dlPFC among adolescents and young adults with gaming diseases. It may provide new prevention and treatment insights into gaming disorders targeting disrupted interpersonal interaction.

Adverse childhood experiences predict internet gaming disorder in university students: the mediating role of resilience

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and internet gaming disorder (IGD) and the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between these two factors.

METHODS

The adverse childhood experience scale, resilience scale and IGD Scale were administered to 9349 university students. Correlations and mediating effects were calculated among these scores.

RESULTS

After controlling for sex and age, significant correlations among adverse childhood experiences, resilience and IGD were observed; resilience was a partial mediator variable in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and IGD.

CONCLUSIONS

The more adverse childhood experiences an individual has, the less their mental toughness and the greater their tendency to become addicted to internet games. Adverse childhood experiences can effectively predict IGD, and the risk of becoming addicted to the internet can be decreased by increasing one's mental toughness.

Problematic internet gaming and non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese adolescents: Moderating and mediating roles of anxiety

INTRODUCTION

Despite consistent reports of the association between problematic internet gaming (PIG) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), an increase in PIG does not necessarily lead to increased NSSI. This apparent paradox indicates the presence of other mediators and moderators in the PIG-NSSI association. This study aimed to investigate the role of anxiety as a potential moderating and mediating factor of the PIG-NSSI association in Chinese adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,479 Chinese adolescents (50.5% male; age range, 9-18 years). Standardized self-report questionnaires were used to assess the severity of PIG, anxiety, and NSSI. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were applied to examine the relationships among PIG, anxiety, and NSSI. Both moderating and mediating effects of anxiety were assessed using Hayes' methods.

RESULTS

PIG, anxiety symptoms, and NSSI significantly correlated with one another. Anxiety significantly moderated the relationship between PIG and NSSI [B = 0.002, standard error (SE) = 0.000, p < 0.001], and it partially mediated the PIG-NSSI association [B = 0.017, SE = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.014-0.021]. Social concern and concentration were the two dimensions of anxiety that exerted the strongest mediation effect (B = 0.017, SE = 0.002, 95% CI 0.014-0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with PIG and high anxiety are likely to suffer more severe NSSI and may benefit from interventions to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Biopsychosocial factors of gaming disorder: a systematic review employing screening tools with well-defined psychometric properties

Background and aims

Considering the growing number of gamers worldwide and increasing public concerns regarding the negative consequences of problematic gaming, the aim of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of gaming disorder (GD) by identifying empirical studies that investigate biological, psychological, and social factors of GD using screening tools with well-defined psychometric properties.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted through PsycINFO, PubMed, RISS, and KISS, and papers published up to January 2022 were included. Studies were screened based on the GD diagnostic tool usage, and only five scales with well-established psychometric properties were included. A total of 93 studies were included in the synthesis, and the results were classified into three groups based on biological, psychological, and social factors.

Results

Biological factors (n = 8) included reward, self-concept, brain structure, and functional connectivity. Psychological factors (n = 67) included psychiatric symptoms, psychological health, emotion regulation, personality traits, and other dimensions. Social factors (n = 29) included family, social interaction, culture, school, and social support.

Discussion

When the excess amount of assessment tools with varying psychometric properties were controlled for, mixed results were observed with regards to impulsivity, social relations, and family-related factors, and some domains suffered from a lack of study results to confirm any relevant patterns.

Conclusion

More longitudinal and neurobiological studies, consensus on a diagnostic tool with well-defined psychometric properties, and an in-depth understanding of gaming-related factors should be established to settle the debate regarding psychometric weaknesses of the current diagnostic system and for GD to gain greater legitimacy in the field of behavioral addiction.

Examining the Predictors of Video Game Addiction According to Expertise Levels of the Players: The Role of Time Spent on Video Gaming, Engagement, Positive Gaming Perception, Social Support and Relational Health Indices

This study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between video gaming addiction (VGA) and the level of video gaming competency among video gamers. Additionally, the role of time spent playing video games, video game engagement (VGE), video game positive perception (VGPP), social support and quality of relationships with peers were examined. We recruited 227 participants using the purposive sampling method. Of the participants, 50.20% self-identified as Novice-Amateur video gamers while 49.80% indicated being a regular-expert level players. We collected data from participants utilizing a personal and video games information form and five scales and (video game positive perception, videogame addiction scale, video engagement scale, multidimensional scale of perceived social support and relational health indices). These scales are valid and reliable instruments suitable for research purposes. The primary data analysis method was the Partial least squares- structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our results demonstrated that the relationship between VGA and VGE differs based on the participants' video gaming competency level. Another important result is that VGPP has a significant positive relationship with VGA (p < 0.001), VGE (p < 0.001) and video game playing and watching activities (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an increase in the time spent on watching Twitch content is associated with an increased VGA level (p < 0.05). Finally, the time spent on playing video games has different patterns with perceptions of social support according to the level of expertise of the players. This study indicates that VGPP plays a crucial role in predicting VGA and VE and highlights the importance of considering the level of players when examining the relationship between VGA and VE. The conclusions also exhibit that the increasing popularity of esports and video game content tracking may significantly impact VGA. The role of social support in video gaming behaviors varies based on the player's level of expertise.

Gaming disorder: A summary of its characteristics and aetiology

The emergence, development, and maintenance of gaming disorder (GD) is the result of an interplay between gaming-related factors, individual factors, and environmental factors. None of these alone are sufficient to cause a disordered state, but it is the interactive co-occurrence of all these factors, which in some cases leads to GD. The goal of the present paper is to discuss in detail these three factors based on relevant and recent findings of the literature. Among gaming-related factors, we discuss online vs. offline videogames, the role of game genres, structural characteristics, game design elements, as well as some important monetization techniques. Among individual factors demographic risk factors, personality traits, motivational factors, comorbid psychopathology, genetic predisposition, and neurobiological processes are considered. Finally, among environmental factors we discuss family factors, early life experiences, the role of peers and school-related factors, as well as the broader context of culture including the popularity of esports.

Uncovering sample heterogeneity in gaming and social withdrawal behaviors in adolescent and young adult gamers in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to examine the latent heterogeneity of gaming and social withdrawal behaviors in internet gamers and their associations with help-seeking behaviors.

METHOD

The present study recruited 3430 young people (1874 adolescents and 1556 young adults) in Hong Kong in 2019. The participants completed the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) Scale, Hikikomori Questionnaire, and measures on gaming characteristics, depression, help-seeking, and suicidality. Factor mixture analysis was used to classify the participants into latent classes based on their latent factors of IGD and hikikomori in separate age groups. Latent class regressions examined the associations between help-seeking and suicidality.

RESULTS

Both adolescents and young adults supported a 4-class, 2-factor model on gaming and social withdrawal behaviors. Over two-third of the sample were classified as healthy or low-risk gamers with low IGD factor means and low prevalence of hikikomori. Around one-fourth was moderate-risk gamers with elevated prevalence of hikikomori, higher IGD symptoms and psychological distress. A minority of the sample (3.8%-5.8%) belonged to high-risk gamers with the highest IGD symptoms and prevalence of hikikomori and heightened suicidal risks. Help-seeking in low-risk and moderate-risk gamers was positively associated with depressive symptoms and negatively associated with suicidal ideation. Perceived usefulness of help-seeking was significantly linked with lower likelihoods of suicidal ideation in the moderate-risk gamers and suicide attempt in the high-risk gamers.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings explicate the latent heterogeneity of gaming and social withdrawal behaviors and associated factors on help-seeking and suicidality among internet gamers in Hong Kong.

Internet-Based Self-Assessment for Symptoms of Internet Use Disorder-Impact of Gender, Social Aspects, and Symptom Severity: German Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Internet use disorder (IUD) is a new type of behavioral addiction in the digital age. At the same time, internet applications and eHealth can also provide useful support in medical treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to examine if an internet-based eHealth service can reach individuals with IUD. In particular, it should be investigated whether both male and female individuals with more severe IUDs can be reached.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the OMPRIS (online-based motivational intervention to reduce problematic internet use and promote treatment motivation in internet gaming disorder and internet use disorder) project (DRKS00019925), an internet-based motivational intervention to reduce problematic internet use and promote treatment motivation in internet gaming disorder and IUD. During the recruitment process (August 2020-March 2022), a total of 3007 individuals filled out the standardized scale for the assessment of internet and computer game addiction (AICA-S). The assessment was accessible via the project homepage. There was no preselection of participants at this stage of the study; however, the offer was addressed to people with hazardous internet use and IUDs. The web-based assessment was free and could be found via search engines, but attention was also drawn to the service via newspaper articles, radio reports, and podcasts.

RESULTS

Out of 3007 who participated in the web-based self-assessment, 1033 (34.4%) are female, 1740 (57.9%) are male, 67 (2.2%) are diverse individuals, and 167 (5.5%) did not disclose their gender. The IUD symptom severity score showed a wide range between the AICA-S extreme values of 0 and 27 points. On average, the total sample (mean 8.19, SD 5.47) was in the range of hazardous IUD behavior (AICA-S cutoff>7.0). Furthermore, 561 individuals (18.7% of the total sample; mean 17.42, SD 3.38) presented severe IUD (AICA-S cutoff>13.5). Focusing on female and male participants, 20.9% (363/1740) of the men and 14.9% (151/1033) of the women scored above 13.5 points, which can be considered pathological IUD behavior (χ²_2,2773=16.73, P<.001, effect size: Cramér V=0.078). Unemployment, being in vocational training or studying at a university, and being male were significantly associated with high IUD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a large sample, the study showed that both mildly and severely IUD-affected individuals can be reached via the internet. An internet-based eHealth offer can thus be a good way to reach patients with IUD where they are addicted-on the internet. In addition, eHealth services increase the likelihood of reaching female patients, who hardly ever come to specialized outpatient clinics and hospitals. Since social problems, especially unemployment, have a strong association with disease severity, the integration of social counseling into treatment seems advisable in terms of a multidisciplinary approach.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00019925; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00019925.

The involvement of spontaneous brain activity in natural recovery from internet gaming disorder: A resting-state fMRI study

OBJECTIVE

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) can seriously impair an individual's physical and mental health. However, unlike the majority of those suffering from substance addiction, individuals with IGD may recover without any professional intervention. Understanding the brain mechanisms of natural recovery from IGD may provide new insight into how to prevent addiction and implement more targeted interventions.

METHODS

Sixty individuals with IGD were scanned by using a resting-state fMRI to assess brain region changes associated with IGD. After 1 year, 19 individuals with IGD no longer met the IGD criteria and were considered recovered (RE-IGD), 23 individuals still met the IGD criteria (PER-IGD), and 18 individuals left the study. The brain activity in resting state between 19 RE-IGD individuals and 23 PER-IGD individuals was compared by using regional homogeneity (ReHo). Additionally, brain structure and cue-craving functional MRIs were collected to further support the results in the resting-state.

RESULTS

The resting-state fMRI results revealed that activity in brain regions responsible for reward and inhibitory control [including the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the precuneus and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)] was decreased in the PER-IGD individuals compared to RE-IGD individuals. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between mean ReHo values in the precuneus and self-reported craving scores for gaming, whether among the PER-IGD individuals or the RE-IGD individuals. Furthermore, we found similar results in that brain structure and cue-craving differences exist between the PER-IGD individuals and RE-IGD individuals, specifically in the brain regions associated with reward processing and inhibitory control (including the DLPFC, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, OFC, precuneus, and superior frontal gyrus).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the brain regions responsible for reward processing and inhibitory control are different in PER-IGD individuals, which may have consequences on natural recovery. Our present study provides neuroimaging evidence that spontaneous brain activity may influence natural recovery from IGD.

Co-Occurrence of Gaming Disorder and Other Potentially Addictive Behaviours between Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom

Background: Evidence suggests that gamers can have varying experiences of disordered gaming behaviours due to coping mechanisms and how they can act as risk or protective factor in the development and/or maintenance of disordered behaviours. A particular area of interest is how this may manifest across different countries. Understanding the interplay of these potential risk and protective factors within different countries will aid identifying and preventing disordered behaviours. Methods: Three cohorts were recruited from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Each cohort was required to complete a battery of psychometric scales exploring problematic behaviours, problematic substance use, co-occurrence, coping styles, and personality. A latent profile analysis was conducted to examine the differences between cohorts and further investigated with additional analyses. Results: The findings suggested that a minority of gamers were affected by gaming disorder, and there appeared an at-risk cohort who utilise gaming as a maladaptive coping strategy. Other accompanying potentially addictive behaviour or substance use may be exacerbated as a result, the manifestation of which can be influenced by cultural elements. Conclusions: When considering gamers from countries which hold similar views, it is important to be cognisant of the variations found in the manifestations of disordered gaming and accompanying potentially addictive behaviours. This will allow for a more precise identification of at-risk behaviours, which will result in more favourable treatment outcomes for those who are considered at-risk or high-risk individuals.

Cross-sectional and prospective association between internet addiction and risk of fatigue among Chinese college students

Severe internet addiction (IA) is associated with a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain, but whether there is a significant prospective association between IA and fatigue is unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between IA and fatigue level among Chinese college students. A cross-sectional (n = 1011) and prospective study (n = 653) was conducted to examine the association between IA and risk of fatigue. IA was measured using Young internet addiction test. Fatigue level was evaluated using the Chalder fatigue scale. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed a cross-sectional association between IA and the risk of fatigue. The odds ratios (95% CIs) of fatigue for normal, mild, and moderate to severe groups were 1.00 (reference), 1.88 (1.20, 2.95), and 5.60 (3.33, 9.42), respectively (P for trend: <0.001). Similarly, multivariate logistic regression analyses also revealed a significant prospective relationship between IA and the risk of fatigue during the 1-year follow-up period. The odds ratios (95% CIs) of fatigue for normal, mild, and moderate to severe groups were 1.00 (reference), 1.56 (0.67, 3.67), and 3.29 (1.08, 10.04), respectively (P for trend: 0.046). Our findings indicate that IA is positively related to risk of fatigue among Chinese college students. Further interventional studies are needed to explore the causality underlying the effects of IA on fatigue.

The Spanish Version of the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised

It is estimated that 16.8 million in Spain (41% female) are involved in gaming, and approximately 8.3% of Spanish gamers are problematic gamers (i.e., endorsing five or more of the nine criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder [IGD]). Given the high prevalence of IGD in Spain, this study evaluated construct validity and concurrent validity of the Spanish Version of the Video Game Functional Assessment-Revised (SP-VGFA-R), by examining the correlational coefficients with the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF). A total of 434 adults 18 years of age or older participated in the study (15.1% female). Results showed that the SP-VGFA-R was positively and significantly associated with the IGDS9-SF (bivariate coefficients ranging from 0.411 to 0.610). Four distinct factors in the SP-VGFA-R were identified in confirmatory factor analysis, including (a) social attention, (b) tangible/intangible rewards, (c) escape/avoidance of demands or pain, and (d) sensory stimulation. Other findings showed that IGDS9-SF scores increased as (a) the escape/avoidance of demands or pain function increased and (b) two or more function scores increased. The SP-VGFA-R can be used in combination with the IGDS9-SF to assess Spanish gamers with IGD internationally, and to develop evidence-based behavioral interventions.

Cumulative Family Risk and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Adolescents: A Serial Mediating Model of Personal Growth Initiative and Gratitude

In the digital era, playing internet games enriches the entertainment forms for young generations. At the same time, it also raises some social issues, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) is one of them. Abundant studies demonstrate that IGD is harmful to individual physiological and psychological health. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out the reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Based on the ecological systems theory, the present study investigated the cumulative effect of family risks on adolescent IGD and the serial mediating effects of personal growth initiative (PGI) and gratitude in a chain mediation model. Using random cluster sampling, a sample of 600 Chinese adolescents was recruited to complete the questionnaire. Results of regression analysis suggested that cumulative family risks could positively predict IGD among adolescents. Moreover, PGI and gratitude mediated the relationship between cumulative family risk and IGD, separately, and sequentially. These findings may provide some guidance for the prevention and intervention to prevent or reduce IGD in adolescents.

Exploring the Mechanism of Pathological Gaming in Adolescents: Focused on the Mediation Paths and Latent Group Comparison

Pathological gaming among adolescents has been reported to hamper the achievement of a balanced life and to threaten the development of social competencies. Despite the increasing social concerns on the adolescent users, however, the mechanism of gaming behavior of adolescents has not been sufficiently examined. This study explored the mechanism of pathological gaming among adolescents from 3-year longitudinal data of 778 Korean adolescent gamers, by analyzing the effects of negative affects (i.e., anxiety, loneliness, and academic stress) on the degree of pathological gaming through the mediation variables (i.e., aggression and self-control) based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to uncover potential risk groups, and through partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, the mediation pathways to pathological gaming were compared between the risk group and the non-risk group. The results highlighted the key role of academic stress on the degree of pathological gaming. In the entire group, academic stress primarily increased pathological gaming through self-control. The mediation path of self-control was the most influential result in the risk group. Aggression was the key mediator between loneliness and pathological gaming in the non-risk group. The theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed.