Relationship Between Gaming Disorder, Self-Compensation Motivation, Game Flow, Time Spent Gaming, and Fear of Missing Out Among a Sample of Chinese University Students: A Network Analysis

Flowing in the net of disordered gaming: A network analysis approach

The experience of online flow, characterized by immersion and time distortion, may enhance gaming enjoyment but also contribute to disordered gaming patterns. The present paper examined online flow components and their associations with disordered gaming symptoms among 565 role-playing-gamers. Network analysis identified the centrality of time distortion and loss of control within flow states and highlighted their connections to disordered gaming indicators, such as impaired control and gaming prioritization. Enjoyment and positive challenge were core features within flow, suggesting they support adaptive engagement. However, pathways linking prolonged immersion with gaming disorder symptoms indicate that intense flow experiences may increase problematic gaming risks. These findings reveal a nuanced interaction between online flow and disordered gaming, where adaptive enjoyment and challenge can coexist with maladaptive control loss. Overall, the findings highlight how elements of flow can differentially affect gaming outcomes, contributing both to healthy engagement and potential disorder.

Sociotropy and video game playing: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games versus other games

INTRODUCTION

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with several psychiatric disorders. Previous research on IGD has predominantly focused on Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs), considered to be pro-social games as they foster interpersonal relationships necessary for in-game progress. Sociotropy is a personality trait characterized by a cognitive approach to dealing with interpersonal relationships. Individuals with high sociotropy have a strong desire for approval from others. Beck's cognitive theory of depression posits that high sociotropy can lead to depressive symptoms when faced with interpersonal stress. We used the I-PACE model to account for the consequences of distal factors such as sociotropy on the development and maintenance of IGD. The aim of this study was therefore to compare MMORPG players with players of other game genres in terms of sociotropy, social anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that sociotropy could serve as a predictor of IGD, particularly among MMORPG players.

METHODS

A total of 233 French videogame players recruited from specialized internet gaming forums participated in the study via questionnaires. Different scales were used to assess depression and social anxiety symptoms, IGD intensity, and sociotropy and autonomy.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

MMORPG players reported higher psychological distress than players of other game genres. For all players, sociotropy, rather than autonomy, was found to be a predictor of social anxiety symptoms and IGD intensity. Sociotropy and depression explained IGD intensity only for MMORPG players and not for players of other game genres. The social dimension appears to be more prominent among MMORPG players and could be one of the main personality traits predicting this specific internet gaming disorder. The treatment implications for internet gaming disorder are discussed.

Transdiagnostic Compulsivity Traits in Problematic Use of the Internet Among UK Residents: Cross-Sectional Network Analysis Study

BACKGROUND

The societal and public health costs of problematic use of the internet (PUI) are increasingly recognized as a concern across all age groups, presenting a growing challenge for mental health research. International scientific initiatives have emphasized the need to explore the potential roles of personality features in PUI. Compulsivity is a key personality trait associated with PUI and has been recognized by experts as a critical factor that should be prioritized in PUI research. Given that compulsivity is a multidimensional construct and PUI encompasses diverse symptoms, different underlying mechanisms are likely involved. However, the specific relationships between compulsivity dimensions and PUI symptoms remain unclear, limiting our understanding of compulsivity's role in PUI.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the unique relationships among different dimensions of compulsivity, namely, perfectionism, reward drive, cognitive rigidity, and symptoms of PUI using a symptom-based network approach.

METHODS

A regularized partial-correlation network was fitted using a large-scale sample from the United Kingdom. Bridge centrality analysis was conducted to identify bridge nodes within the network. Node predictability analysis was performed to assess the self-determination and controllability of the nodes within the network.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 122,345 individuals from the United Kingdom (51.4% female, age: mean 43.7, SD 16.5, range 9-86 years). The analysis identified several strong mechanistic relationships. The strongest positive intracluster edge was between reward drive and PUI4 (financial consequences due to internet use; weight=0.11). Meanwhile, the strongest negative intracluster edge was between perfectionism and PUI4 (financial consequences due to internet use; weight=0.04). Cognitive rigidity showed strong relationships with PUI2 (internet use for distress relief; weight=0.06) and PUI3 (internet use for loneliness or boredom; weight=0.07). Notably, reward drive (bridge expected influence=0.32) and cognitive rigidity (bridge expected influence=0.16) were identified as key bridge nodes, positively associated with PUI symptoms. Meanwhile, perfectionism exhibited a negative association with PUI symptoms (bridge expected influence=-0.05). The network's overall mean predictability was 0.37, with PUI6 (compulsion, predictability=0.55) showing the highest predictability.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings reveal distinct relationships between different dimensions of compulsivity and individual PUI symptoms, supporting the importance of choosing targeted interventions based on individual symptom profiles. In addition, the identified bridge nodes, reward drive, and cognitive rigidity may represent promising targets for PUI prevention and intervention and warrant further investigation.

Associations between media use at bedtime and sleep: a cross-sectional analysis on differences between girls and boys

Objectives

This study investigated associations between the use of electronic media and sleep in children and young adolescents, with a specific focus on the moderation of associations by sex and age.

Methods

Between 2021 and 2022, 453 10- to 14-year-old children participating in the LIFE Child cohort study (Germany) reported on their use of electronic media (daily screen time, use at bedtime, device ownership) and on their sleep difficulties (Sleep Self Report). Associations between media use and sleep as well as interactions with age and sex were assessed using linear regression analyses.

Results

The analyses revealed significant associations between the use of media at bedtime and bedtime problems (in girls only), sleep behavior problems (in girls only), and daytime sleepiness (in girls and boys). Daily screen time, in contrast, was associated with none of the sleep difficulties. The number of media devices owned by the child was only associated with bedtime problems in girls, and this association lost statistical significance once media use at bedtime was included as further predictor.

Conclusion

The findings underline the potentially sleep-disturbing role of electronic media at bedtime. Furthermore, they suggest that this effect is more pronounced in girls than in boys.

The "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" Model

Social media use (SMU) is a significant part of many people's everyday life. Research around the globe describes an increase of addictive SMU tendencies since the COVID-19 outbreak. The present work combines available findings in the "Vicious Circle of addictive Social Media Use and Mental Health" model to explain how social media (SM) activity can contribute to the development of addictive tendencies, which consequences they have for mental health, and how to prevent them. Following the model, the interplay between the risk factors negative experiences caused by daily hassles and by unexpected global and traumatic events, SMU (dimension "quality"), and SM flow can directly contribute to addictive SMU through the "vicious circle". Time spent on SMU (dimension "quantity"), symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the personality trait narcissism contribute to the circle as moderators. Symptoms of stress, insomnia, and suicide-related outcomes are described as potential consequences of addictive SMU. Based on longitudinal intervention studies, a conscious reduction of SMU time and an increase of physical activity, as well as positive mental health and mindfulness are identified as protective factors that reduce the risk of addictive tendencies. The model contributes to a better understanding of addictive SMU. Implications of the model for future research and praxis, specifically for mental health programs and therapeutic treatment are discussed.

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.

Network Analysis of Internet Addiction, Online Social Anxiety, Fear of Missing Out, and Interpersonal Sensitivity among Chinese University Students

Background

Despite the growing prevalence of internet usage among young people, the relationships between internet addiction, online social anxiety, fear of missing out (FoMO), and interpersonal sensitivity remain uncertain, intricate, and multifaceted. To gain insight into the underlying psychological mechanisms, we employed network analysis to explore the interconnections between them. This endeavor may provide fresh opportunities for intervention and treatment.

Methods

In this study, 470 participants were assessed at age from 18 to 22 (M = 20.18 years, SD = 1.861) years. Network analysis was used to examine the connections between symptoms, and statistical measures were applied to assess the stability of the network model.

Results

Online social anxiety and interpersonal sensitivity had the strongest associations with other symptoms in the network, with "Evaluation anxiety" having the highest expected influence centrality, followed by "Privacy concern anxiety," "Need for approval," "Suspicion," and "vulnerability." The FoMO symptom, "Fear of missing information," had the strongest direct relation to internet addiction. "Evaluation anxiety" and "Fear of missing information" played a key role in bridging internet addiction and interpersonal sensitivity. Additionally, the structure distribution of edge weights had a significant difference between gender.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that FoMO, interpersonal sensitivity, and online social anxiety likely play a significant role in the development and continuation of internet addiction. Interpersonal sensitivity seems to contribute to increased online social anxiety, FoMO, and the development of internet addiction, indicating that targeting these symptoms may help reduce negative online behavior and psychological burden.

Problematic Gaming in Malaysian University Students: Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Malay Language Versions of Gaming Disorder Test and Gaming Disorder Scale for Young Adults

As research on gaming disorder (GD) is growing globally, the need for a valid and reliable instrument to assess GD has become crucial. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study translated and evaluated the psychometric properties of Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Young Adults (GADIS-YA) into Malay language versions. The sample comprised 624 university students (females = 75.6%; mean age = 22.27 years) recruited via an online survey from May to August 2022, using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed both GDT and GADIS-YA scales and other relevant measures including Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), and time spent on social media and gaming. Results showed that both instruments reported satisfactory internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure for GDT and two-factor structure for GADIS-YA. Both scales were strongly correlated with each other and with the IGDS9-SF, BSMAS, and time spent on social media and gaming, supporting concurrent validity. Measurement invariance of both scales was confirmed across gender and gaming time. These findings suggest that the Malay versions of GDT and GADIS-YA are reliable and valid measures of problematic gaming among Malaysian university students.

From game engagement to craving responses - The role of gratification and compensation experiences during video-gaming in casual and at-risk gamers

Introduction

Although playing videogames is a common leisure activity some individuals develop problematic gaming behaviors or even symptoms of a gaming disorder. Game engagement may be involved in reinforcement learning that may result in experiences of craving, an important feature of gaming disorder. In the following study we aimed to approach the question which aspects contribute to increased craving for gaming.

Methods

Overall, 439 individuals participated in an online survey, answering questionnaires on game engagement, experience of gratification and compensation, craving, and symptoms of gaming disorder. A mediation model testing if the association between game engagement and facets of craving are mediated by the experience of gratification and compensation during gaming.

Results

Three facets of craving (reward/relief, physiological, obsessive craving) were statistically explained by game engagement and the experience of gratification and compensation. Models differed between casual gamers and at-risk gamers. The effects on reward/relief and physiological craving were fully mediated in the casual group and partially mediated in the at-risk group by gratification and compensation experiences.

Conclusion

Game engagement may contribute to the development of craving by increasing the experience of gratification and compensation and thus might be important in reinforcement learning. Games evoking a high engagement may therefore have a higher addictive potential. Further processes potentially related to game engagement, such as intrusive thoughts and desire thinking, which are related to craving experiences, should be considered in future studies.

Psychometric Assessment and Gender Invariance of the Polish Version of the Gaming Disorder Test

In 2019, Gaming Disorder (GD) was officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an official mental health disorder. Currently, the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) is one of the most widely utilised psychometric tools to assess GD symptoms according to the WHO framework. In this context, the present study aimed to develop the Polish version of the GDT so that this tool can be used within the Polish cultural context. Additionally, the research aimed to ascertain the psychometric properties and appropriateness of the Polish GDT. To achieve this goal, the Polish GDT was investigated in terms of its validity, reliability, and gender measurement invariance through two studies. Accordingly, study 1 recruited a total of 675 gamers (340 female; Meanage = 31.74 years; SD = 7.75 years; range: 15-45 years) and study 2 comprised 575 gamers (275 female; M age = 29.45 years; SD = 4.25 years; range: 18-35 years). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess psychometric properties of the Polish GDT. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and Average Variance Extracted. Gender measurement invariance was investigated using multiple-group CFA, and the unidimensionality was tested using mean of item residual absolute loadings (MIREAL), explained common variance (ECV), and unidimensional congruence (UC). The results of the psychometric analysis showed that the Polish GDT had a one-factor structure. Additionally, the present study demonstrated that the Polish GDT exhibited adequate levels of convergent validity, reliability, and strict gender measurement invariance. These findings suggest that the Polish version of GDT is a suitable psychometric test to assess GD and facilitate research on GD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-022-00929-4.

Game-related behaviors among children and adolescents after school closure during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Aim

Increased exposure to digital gaming content among youth in recent years has raised serious health concerns. Social restrictions such as school closures, imposed worldwide because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, may increase exposure to gaming and lead to addictive gaming behavior in young people. In this study, we investigated gaming behaviors among Japanese students during COVID-19 school closures.

Methods

Students completed questionnaires regarding their living conditions, game-related behaviors, diagnosis of Internet addiction, psychological difficulties, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared differences between the responses of potentially at risk for gaming disorder (potentially at risk for gaming disorder; defined in this paper with reference to the ICD-11 MMS criteria for gaming disorder [PGD]) students who met the criteria for a diagnosis of gaming disorder in ICD-11 MMS and those of control students. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the extent of factors contributing to potential gaming disorder.

Results

Four thousand and forty-eight participants completed the survey. Compared with control students (93%), potentially at risk for gaming disorder (defined in this paper with reference to the ICD-11 MMS criteria for gaming disorder, PGD) students (7%) reported playing games for longer times, spending more money on in-game purchases, were of younger age at the start of game playing, showed a tendency toward Internet dependence, practised school avoidance or absenteeism, and demonstrated the need for psychological support. Moreover, participants in the PGD group reported more anxiety about COVID-19 than control participants, as well as an increase in game-playing time and amount of money spent on games during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

These results indicate that young people classified as having a gaming disorder not only exhibit characteristic game-related behaviors but may be psychologically and socially vulnerable and need special support, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Parental Depression and Leisure Activity Engagement on Children's Gaming Disorder: A Dyadic Study

Nowadays, playing both online and offline video games is a popular leisure activity among youngsters, but excessive gaming activity engagement may lead to gaming disorder that disrupts daily functioning. Identifying risk and protective factors of this emerging problem is thus essential for devising prevention and intervention strategies. This mixed-method, cross-sectional study aimed to examine the roles of parental depressive symptoms and children’s leisure activity engagement on children’s gaming disorder symptoms. Furthermore, the moderating roles of risky and protective leisure activity engagement were investigated. The sample comprised 104 parent-child dyads recruited from a population-based survey (parents: M_age = 45.59 years, SD = 6.70; children: M_age = 11.26 years; SD = 4.12). As predicted, parental depressive symptoms and children’s gaming activity engagement were positively associated with children’s gaming disorder symptoms, whereas children’s literacy activity engagement was negatively associated with these symptoms. Moreover, engagement in these two types of leisure activity moderated the association between parental depressive symptoms and children’s gaming disorder symptoms in distinct manners, further indicating literacy activities as beneficial and gaming activities as risk-enhancing. These new findings imply that parental depressive symptoms and children’s leisure activity engagement should be considered when designing parent-based programs for gaming disorder prevention and intervention.

How Flow Experience and Self-Efficacy Define Students' Online Learning Intentions: View From Task Technology Fit (Framework)

The ongoing pandemic has transformed communication modes globally. Especially in the case of higher education, where countermeasures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have affected students’ learning experience. This study emphasized the case of business simulation games, where critical factors were underlined to define learners’ intention to use an online learning environment through the lens of task technology fit (TTF) as a theoretical stance. This study considered the statistical analysis of 523 students who attended the business simulation module online at the tertiary level of education. Findings conclude that flow experience is the most critical factor to define learners’ perceived TTF in the case of an online learning experience. However, the learners’ self-efficacy is significant enough to map learners’ intentions to use an online environment for learning. The study discussed several theoretical and practical implications for learners’ educators and policymakers.