The effect of individual differences on Pavlovian conditioning in specific Internet-use disorders.

The I-PACE model suggests that Internet-use disorders result from the interplay of individual vulnerabilities and cognitive and affective processes. As in substance use disorders, Pavlovian conditioning processes are attributed a key role. However, and despite progress in identifying individual vulnerabilities, factors influencing appetitive conditioning remain poorly understood. We therefore conducted a Pavlovian conditioning experiment in which individuals with risky as well as non-problematic use of either gaming or buying-shopping applications learned to associate different abstract stimuli with either gaming or buying-shopping. Regression analyses were used to identify individual characteristics influencing awareness of the experimental contingencies, speed of acquisition of awareness and the magnitude of the conditioned emotional responses regarding pleasantness and arousal ratings of the stimuli. Results demonstrated successful Pavlovian conditioning and an attentional bias towards reward-predicting cues. Awareness of the experimental contingencies was linked solely to cognitive abilities, while the speed of acquisition of awareness and the magnitude of conditioned responses was influenced by specific personality characteristics, experiences of compensation from using the application and severity of problematic use. Importantly, certain characteristics specifically predicted the magnitude of the conditioned response towards gaming, while others specifically predicted the response towards buying-shopping, highlighting differing vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and prevention strategies tailored to these specific vulnerability factors. Further implications and limitations are discussed.

The inhibitory control deficit of internet gaming disorder: An Event-Related Potentials(ERPs) study.

INTRODUCTION: The primary difficulty and challenge encountered by individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is inhibitory control deficit. Given that different types of inhibitory control have different effects on IGD patients, it is critical to investigate the neurological cognitive processes underlying various inhibitory control problems. METHODS: The IGD-20 questionnaire was used to identify Internet game disorder and healthy control group, and finally Internet game disorder in (n=25) and healthy control group (n=28) in Flanker task, Internet game disorder (n=29) and health control group (n=24) in GO/NOGO task. The Flanker task was employed to investigate distractor interference inhibition control in those with IGD, while the Go/NoGo task was used to measure their prepotent response inhibitory control. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to evaluate the brain mechanisms difference of both IGD and healthy participants during these different inhibitory control tasks. RESULTS: Findings indicate that compared to healthy control subjects, individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) have deficits in inhibitory control tasks during both distraction inhibition and prepotent response inhibition tasks, and distraction inhibition occurs earlier than prepotent response inhibition. In distraction inhibition tasks, the IGD group's N2 amplitude is significantly lower than the healthy control groups. In prepotent response inhibition, the N2 amplitude provoked in the IGD group is not only significantly lower than in the healthy control group, but the P3 amplitude is also significantly larger in the IGD group. The main brain activity areas of interference inhibitory control are the frontal lobe and prefrontal lobe, while the main brain activity areas of prepotent response inhibitory control are the frontal lobe and occipital lobe. CONCLUSION: The present study concentrates on the differential neurophysiological characteristics observed in individuals with Internet gaming problems, notably the ability to avoid distractions and prepotent reactions. The current research provides foundations for the assessment and development of tailored therapy and treatment methods to address the wide variety of cognitive problems reported in individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).

Abnormal Granger causal connectivity based on altered gray matter volume and associated neurotransmitters of adolescents with internet gaming disorder revealed by a multimodal neuroimaging study.

Although prior studies have revealed alterations in gray matter volume (GMV) among individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD). The brain's multifaceted functions hinge crucially on the intricate connections and communication among distinct regions. However, the intricate interaction of information between brain regions with altered GMV and other regions, and how they synchronize with various neurotransmitter systems, remains enigmatic. Therefore, we aimed to integrate structural, functional and molecular data to explore the GMV-based Granger causal connectivity abnormalities and their correlated neurotransmitter systems in IGD adolescents. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was firstly performed to investigate GMV differences between 37 IGD adolescents and 35 matched controls. Brain regions with altered GMV were selected as seeds for further Granger causality analysis (GCA). Two-sample t tests were performed using the SPM12 toolkit to compare the GMV and Granger causal connectivity between IGD and control groups (GRF corrected, Pvoxel<0.005, Pcluster<0.05). Then, GMV-based Granger causal connectivity was spatially correlated with PET- and SPECT-derived maps covering multifarious neurotransmitter systems. Multiple comparison correction was performed using false discovery rate (FDR). Compared with controls, IGD adolescents showed higher GMV in the caudate nucleus and lingual gyrus. For the GCA, IGD adolescents showed higher Granger causal connectivity from insula, putamen, supplementary motor area (SMA) and middle cingulum cortex (MCC) to the caudate nucleus, and lower Granger causal connectivity from superior/inferior parietal gyrus (SPG/IPG) and middle occipital gyrus (MOG) to the lingual gyrus. Besides, GMV-based Granger causal connectivity of IGD adolescents were associated with the dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic and noradrenaline systems. This study revealed that the caudate nucleus and lingual gyrus may be the key sites of neuroanatomical changes in IGD adolescents, and whole-brain Granger causal connectivity abnormalities based on altered GMV involved large brain networks including reward, cognitive control, and visual attention networks, and these abnormalities are associated with a variety of neurotransmitter systems, which may be associated with higher reward sensitivity, cognitive control, and attention control dysfunction.

Interaction Effects Between Low Self-Control and Meaning in Life on Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms and Functioning in Chinese Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modeling Study.

BACKGROUND: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an emerging behavioral addiction with mental health implications among adolescents. Low self-control is an established risk factor of IGD. Few studies have, however, examined the moderating role of meaning in life (MIL) on the relationships between low self-control and IGD symptoms and functioning. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of low self-control and MIL and their interaction effects on IGD symptoms and family and school functioning in a structural equation model. METHODS: A sample of 2064 adolescents (967, 46.9% male; mean age 14.6 years) was recruited by multistage cluster random sampling from 5 middle schools in Sichuan, China, in 2022. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire with validated measures on low self-control, presence of MIL, search for MIL, IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. Construct validity, measurement invariance, and structural invariance of the measures were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis across sex. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the indirect effects of low self-control and MIL on family and school functioning through IGD symptoms. Latent moderated structural equation modeling was performed to examine the interaction effects between low self-control and MIL on IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. RESULTS: All scales showed satisfactory model fit and scalar measurement invariance by sex. Males showed significantly greater IGD symptoms and lower levels of self-control (Cohen d=0.25-1.20, P<.001) than females. IGD symptoms were significantly and positively associated with impulsivity (ß=.20, P=.01), temper (ß=.25, P<.001), and search for meaning (ß=.11, P=.048) and significantly and negatively associated with presence of meaning (ß=-.21, P<.001). Presence of MIL and impulsivity showed a significant and negative interaction effect (ß=-.11, SE .05; P=.03) on IGD symptoms. The positive effect of impulsivity on IGD symptoms was stronger among adolescents with low presence of MIL than those with high presence of MIL. Temper showed significant and positive interaction effects with presence of MIL (ß=.08, SE .04; P=.03) and search for MIL (ß=.08, SE .04; P=.04) on family functioning. The negative effects of temper on family functioning were stronger among adolescents with low levels of MIL than among those with high levels of MIL. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first findings on the interaction effects between low self-control and presence of MIL and search for MIL on IGD symptoms and functioning among a large sample of adolescents in rural China. The results have implications for targeted interventions to help male adolescents with lower self-control and presence of meaning.

Exploring Gender Differences in Internet Addiction and Psychological Factors: A Study in a Spanish Sample.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Internet addiction (IA) and related behaviors, such as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and social media addiction (SMA), have gained increasing research attention. Studies show gender differences, with males more likely to develop gaming-related addictions and females more prone to social media and phubbing behaviors. This study aimed to explore gender differences in Internet addiction and related behaviors in a Spanish sample, with the goal of identifying predictors and gender-specific patterns of IA. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 585 participants (265 male, 320 female) aged 18 to 35 years (M = 22.11, SD = 3.08). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires to assess IA, IGD, SMA, phubbing, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), emotional dysregulation, personality traits, and prosociality. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify gender-specific predictors of IA. RESULTS: Males exhibited significantly higher scores for IA and IGD, while females showed higher scores for SMA and the "phone obsession" dimension of phubbing. No significant gender differences were found in the "communication disturbance" dimension of phubbing or in FoMO. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between IA and psychological as well as technological variables. Gender-specific predictors of IA included social media engagement and emotional regulation for females, while gaming behaviors and communication patterns were more relevant for males. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight gender differences in IA, suggesting that tailored interventions should address unique online behaviors and emotional regulation challenges in males and females. Future research should refine gender-specific patterns to develop more effective, targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Role models in gaming: Wishful identification and maladaptive daydreaming mediate the association between desire for fame and game engagement.

BACKGROUND: The popularity of video games has considerably increased in recent years, with approximately 3.24 billion players worldwide in 2021. Empirical evidence suggests that the quality of engagement in video games can determine whether a gaming activity is associated with psychological distress (i.e., problematic gaming) or self-enhancing outcomes (i.e., esports career pursuits). This study investigates the role of influential gaming role models and other external factors relating to fame appeal in gamers' different ways of engagement. METHODS: A total of 803 adolescent and adult gamers (89.29 % male, Mage = 24.90 years, SD = 6.13) were recruited through an online questionnaire. RESULTS: A path analysis was constructed demonstrating that wishful identification partially mediated the relationship between desire for fame and esports career planning. Moreover, maladaptive daydreaming fully mediated the association between desire for fame and gaming disorder symptoms. Wishful identification with gaming role models predicted both esports career planning and gaming disorder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings shed light on the importance of considering the role of gaming role models in predicting healthy and problematic gaming patterns.

Alternations voxel-wise interhemispheric and intrahemipheric functional connectivity dynamics in internet gaming disorder.

BACKGROUND: Currently, numerous studies have indicated that individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGDs) have aberrant functional connection patterns between multiple brain regions and networks. However, temporal variability in the intra- and interhemispheric dynamic functional connectivity in IGDs remains unknown. METHODS: This study investigated resting-state functional magnetic resonance data from 55 IGDs and 50 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs). Functional connectivity density (FCD) combined with sliding window analysis is employed to calculate the temporal variability of global functional connectivity. The temporal variability of dynamic functional connectivity further quantified utilizing the standard deviations of global, intra-, and interhemispheric FCD. Finally, correlation analyses were performed between dynamic FCD varience (dFCD) in differential brain regions and clinical behaviors. RESULT: IGDs showed decreased intra- and interhemispheric dFCD variance in the visual attention network (precuneus and calcarine) and also demonstrated hemispheric-level dFCD variance abnormalities in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) compared to HCs. Moreover, abnormal global dFCD variability of the calcarine and ipsilateral dFCD variability of the PCC were negatively correlated with the severity of IGDs in the IGD group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate abberant intra- and interhemispheric dynamic functional connectivity in the visual attention network, which emphasizes the neurobiological basis for impaired concentration in IGDs.

The mediating effect of social connectedness between internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms in adolescents: a large sample cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that social connectedness can serve as a protective buffer against negative outcomes associated with online victimization. However, the role of social connectedness between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms is still unclear. This study aims to examine the mediating effect of social connectedness on the association between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized, using questionnaires for data collection and multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. The general demographic questionnaire, Nine-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form, Social Connectedness Scale-Revised and Patient Health Questionnaire Physical Symptoms were used to collect data. We adopted Pearson's correlation analysis and the PROCESS Macro Model in regression analysis to explore the relationships among Internet gaming disorder, social connectedness and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Internet gaming disorder was positively correlated with somatic symptoms (r = 0.20, P < 0.001), while network (r=-0.08, P < 0.001) and real-life social connectedness (r=-0.31, P < 0.001) negatively affected somatic symptoms. The network social connectedness and the real-life social connectedness played a chain mediating role in the development of Internet gaming disorder to somatic symptoms [95%CI: 0.073, 0.088], explaining 45.25% of the total effect value. The difference of real-life social connectedness and network social connectedness played a partial mediating role between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms [95% CI:0.050, 0.062], accounting for 31.28% of the total effect value. CONCLUSIONS: Real-life social connectedness, network social connectedness, and their disparity all mediated the relationship between Internet gaming disorder and somatic symptoms. Real-life social connectedness acted as a protective factor, while network social connectedness served as a risk factor. Encouraging offline activities and guiding teenagers to use the internet responsibly may help prevent and reduce physical symptoms linked to Internet gaming disorder.

Factor analysis of impulsivity in gaming disorder and internet gaming disorder.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that a two-factor model of impulsivity predicts Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder. We aimed to determine whether a similar factor structure was present for Gaming Disorder (GD) and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted on survey responses from 372 participants who had completed a series of questions on facets of impulsivity and their involvement in gaming. Participants were sampled from gaming forums and an online recruitment website. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the measures of trait impulsivity, and the identified factors were then analyzed against measures of Gaming Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder. A confirmatory factor analysis was then run to confirm the model. RESULTS: The exploratory results suggested a five-factor model of impulsivity, with gaming being related to all five factors. Interestingly, only two of those factors (Urgency (Positive Urgency, Negative Urgency, Delay Discounting) and (Impaired) Inhibitory Control (False Button Presses on Go/No-Go Tasks)) predicted symptom counts above the clinical cut-off for IGD. In addition, Urgency was related to symptom counts above 7/9 criteria for IGD, as well as symptom counts above the suggested clinical cut-off for GD. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested that this two-factor model of impulsivity had 'good fit.' CONCLUSIONS: This two-factor model of impulsivity is similar to those found in established addiction disorders, in that one factor appears to predict more problematic involvement than the other. However, the results indicate that Urgency predicts higher symptom counts than (Impaired) Inhibitory Control. This contrasts with previous findings on substance use and gambling, where (Impaired) Inhibitory Control was the factor predicting problematic use. However, there was evidence to suggest that gaming is similar to alcohol consumption, where socially acceptable, "healthy," use is related to impulsivity at some level, but Urgency is key in the transition from recreational to disordered behavior.

Recurrence of internet gaming disorder in Korean adolescents: a 24-month follow-up study.

Many adolescents use internet games, and some of them experience psychological and social difficulties due to excessive gaming. Although there have been many studies on the onset and associated factors of internet gaming disorder (IGD) , research focusing specifically on its relapse is scarce. Considering that addictive disorders often have a chronic course with frequent relapse, this study prospectively observed adolescents from the general population to explore IGD recurrence rate and associated factors of recurrence. In this prospective cohort study, from 1587 middle school gaming users, 1452 (91.5%) were followed up at 12 months and 24 months. The results showed that the cumulative recurrence rate of IGD was 16.1%, which was higher than the initial incidence rate of 3.6%; the adjusted incidence rate ratio was 2.43 with 95% CI 1.21-4.87 (P = 0.012). In addition, starting internet gaming before entering primary school was associated with a higher risk of relapse (P = 0.004). Limiting internet gaming for children before they enter primary school may reduce the risk of relapse of IGD that they may encounter during their adolescent years.

Corrigendum: Towards an automated approach for understanding problematic gaming.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1407848.].

Decoding and modifying dynamic attentional bias in gaming disorder.

With the spread of smartphones and computer games, concerns have escalated regarding the rising prevalence of gaming disorder. Patients often display attentional biases, unconsciously turning their attention towards gaming-related stimuli. However, attempts to discover and ameliorate these attentional deficits have yielded inconsistent outcomes, potentially due to the dynamic nature of attentional bias. This study investigated neural mechanisms underlying attentional bias state by combining neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging -fMRI) with an approach-avoidance task tailored to an individual's gaming preference. We conducted a multivariate pattern analysis of endogenous brain activity in 21 participants with probable gaming disorder. Our analyses revealed that activity patterns in the insula tracked temporal attentional bias states specific to gaming stimuli. A broad network of frontal and parietal regions instead appeared to predict a general temporal attentional bias state. Finally, we conducted a proof-of-concept study for 'just-in-time' attentional bias training through fMRI-decoded neurofeedback of insula activity patterns, named decoded attentional bias training (DecABT). Our preliminary results suggest that DecABT may help to decrease the attractiveness of gaming stimuli via a insula- and precuneus-based neural mechanism. This work provides new evidence for the insula as an endogenous regulator of attentional bias states in gaming disorder and a starting point to develop novel, individualized therapeutic approaches to treat addiction.This article is part of the theme issue 'Neurofeedback: new territories and neurocognitive mechanisms of endogenous neuromodulation'.

The gaming disorder test and gaming disorder scale for adolescents: translation and validation among Vietnamese young adults.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A) have promising validity and reliability when assessing symptoms of gaming disorder among young adults. However, validity and reliability properties of the two scales have not been established among a Vietnamese population. OBJECTIVE: The present study translated the GDT and GADIS-A into Vietnamese and examined their factor structures, measurement invariance, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and divergent validity among university students. METHODS: A total of 610 young adults (mean age = 21.09 years; 63.4% females) were recruited using convenience sampling and who completed a paper-and-pencil survey between April and June 2023. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire, GDT, GADIS-A, and six standardized scales related to gaming disorder, social media addiction, smartphone addiction, and psychological distress. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency testing, and Pearson's correlations were performed. RESULTS: CFA showed that the GDT had a one-factor structure and the GADIS-A had a two-factor structure. The internal consistency was excellent for both scales among this population. Moreover, both GDT and GADIS-A showed convergent, concurrent, and divergent validity with other standardized scales. CONCLUSION: The Vietnamese versions of the GDT and GADIS-A have good psychometrics, which may be utilized in future research regarding gaming disorder among Vietnamese populations.

Detection and Characterization of Online Substance Use Discussions Among Gamers: Qualitative Retrospective Analysis of Reddit r/StopGaming Data.

BACKGROUND: Video games have rapidly become mainstream in recent decades, with over half of the US population involved in some form of digital gaming. However, concerns regarding the potential harms of excessive, disordered gaming have also risen. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been proposed as a tentative psychiatric disorder that requires further study by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is recognized as a behavioral addiction by the World Health Organization. Substance use among gamers has also become a concern, with caffeinated or energy drinks and prescription stimulants commonly used for performance enhancement. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify substance use patterns and health-related concerns among gamers among a population of Reddit users. METHODS: We used the public streaming Reddit application programming interface to collect and analyze all posts from the popular subreddit, r/StopGaming. From this corpus of posts, we filtered the dataset for keywords associated with common substances that may be used to enhance gaming performance. We then applied an inductive coding approach to characterize substance use behaviors, gaming genres, and physical and mental health concerns. Potential disordered gaming behavior was also identified using the tentative IGD guidelines proposed by the APA. A chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association between gaming disorder and substance use characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze whether mental health discussion or the mention of any substance with sufficient sample size was significantly associated with IGD. RESULTS: In total, 10,551 posts were collected from Reddit from June 2017 to December 2022. After filtering the dataset for substance-related keywords, 1057 were included for further analysis, of which 286 mentioned both gaming and the use of ≥1 substances. Among the 286 posts that discussed both gaming and substance use, the most mentioned substances were alcohol (n=132), cannabis (n=104), and nicotine (n=48), while the most mentioned genres were role-playing games (n=120), shooters (n=90), and multiplayer online battle arenas (n=43). Self-reported behavior that aligned with the tentative guidelines for IGD was identified in 66.8% (191/286) posts. More than half, 62.9% (180/286) of the posts, discussed a health issue, with the majority (n=144) cited mental health concerns. Common mental health concerns discussed were depression and anxiety. There was a significant association between IGD and substance use (P<.001; chi-square test), and there were significantly increased odds of IGD among those who self-reported substance use (odds ratio 2.29, P<.001) and those who discussed mental health (odds ratio 1.64, P<.03). CONCLUSIONS: As gaming increasingly becomes highly prevalent among various age groups and demographics, a better understanding of the interplay and convergence among disordered gaming, substance use, and negative health impacts can inform the development of interventions to mitigate risks and promote healthier gaming habits.

Cross-Cultural Differences in the Pathways to Internet Gaming Disorder.

BACKGROUND: No research to date has examined cross-cultural differences in the pathways to internet gaming disorder (IGD). The current study aimed to address this limitation by examining the relationships between nationality (Singaporeans vs. Australians), culture orientation, gaming motivations, and IGD. METHODS: Participants were 101 Singaporeans (55.4% males) and 98 Australians (52.0% males). They completed the Culture Orientation Scale, the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form. RESULTS: A series of mediational analyses showed that Singaporeans tend to be more collectivistic (both horizontally and vertically). In turn, this culture orientation motivates them to play games for social reasons, increasing the risk for IGD. In contrast, Australians tend to be more individualistic (vertically only). In turn, this culture orientation motivates them to play games for competitive reasons, increasing the risk for IGD. CONCLUSION: Limitations include the use of samples from two countries only, precluding a generalization of the results. Future research directions include examining the role of game genres as a mediator in the nationality-IGD relationship.

High immersion/escapism motivation makes gaming disorder risk less dependent of playtime among highly engaged male gamers.

In the realm of gaming-related concerns, the relationship between gaming time (GT) and gaming disorder (GD) remains an intriguing and complex subject. Although increased GT is not a reliable predictor of GD risk, the circumstances under which this relationship strengthens or weakens remain relatively unknown. This study explores the roles of immersion/escapism motive (IEM) and GT in the context of GD among highly engaged gamers (N = 294), each dedicating a minimum of 20 hours weekly to gaming. The findings confirm that IEM significantly moderates the relationship between GT and GD in the male sample. Specifically, low and moderate levels of IEM result in a stronger relationship between GT and GD. In the case of women, the effect was not significant. These findings suggest the importance of comprehensive assessments of gaming motivations when addressing gaming-related issues, particularly in GD research. Moreover, they emphasize the value of adopting a complex approach to comprehending the development of problematic gaming behaviors.

The relationship between self-control and internet gaming disorder and problematic social networking site use: the mediation effects of internet use motives.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the relationships between problematic social networking site use (PSNSU), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), internet use motives, and self-control among university students in China and Japan. Specifically, it investigated the indirect effects of self-control on IGD and PSNSU through various internet use motives, considering gender differences. Methods: A sample of 697 university students (465 females; 397 Chinese) was surveyed. Path analysis was conducted separately for male and female users to examine the relationships between self-control, internet use motives, IGD, and PSNSU. Results: The results indicated that self-control had significant indirect effects on IGD through enhancement (ß = 0.096**, p = 0.005), social (ß = -0.090**, p = 0.007), and conformity (ß = -0.117**, p = 0.001) motives, but these effects were observed only in the male group. Self-control also exhibited indirect effects on PSNSU through enhancement, social, coping, and conformity motives, with a greater impact observed on PSNSU than on IGD. Gender differences in mediating effects were identified, with males and females showing distinct patterns. Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of understanding gender differences and motivational factors in problematic internet use. These insights contribute to a better understanding of how internet use motives influence IGD and PSNSU in different contexts.

Prevalence, correlates, and comorbidities of internet gaming disorder and problematic game use: national mental health survey of Korea 2021.

Background: This study investigated the prevalence, correlates, and comorbidities of Internet Gaming Disorder and problematic game use among the general population in Korea. Methods: The data of 2,764 individuals aged 18 to 49 years who participated in the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 were analyzed. The diagnostic assessments were based on the Structured Clinical Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The Game Overuse Screening Questionnaire assessed problematic game use. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, and a complex sampling design analysis was applied. Results: The 12-month prevalence rate of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was 0.8% and the 1-month prevalence rate of problematic game use was 8.4%. IGD was higher in men, younger people, unemployed, and in those with low physical activity, dissatisfaction with their quality of life, and who perceived more loneliness and social isolation. While both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were significantly associated with IGD, only ADHD was significantly associated with problematic game use. Conclusion: IGD and problematic game use are relatively prevalent in the Korean adult population and are comorbid with AUD and ADHD. Therefore, a preventive strategy for IGD and problematic game use is needed for game users who are more likely to be addicted, such as younger male users. In addition, mental health screening and appropriate treatment for both game addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders should be provided to individuals with IGD and problematic game use.

Transfer from goal-directed behavior to stimulus-response habits and its modulation by acute stress in individuals with risky gaming behavior.

Habitual responses towards addiction-related cues play a relevant role in the development and maintenance of addictions. Such automatic responses may be more likely under stress, as stress has been shown to induce a shift from goal-directed to habitual behavior. The current study investigated these mechanisms in risky gaming behavior. Individuals with risky gaming behavior (n = 68), as established by a structured clinical interview, and a matched control group (n = 67) completed a Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) paradigm with gaming-related cues and rewards. After the Pavlovian training, participants underwent a stress (Trier Social Stress Test) or control condition before performing the instrumental training and the transfer phase of the PIT paradigm. To assess habitual behavior, the gaming-related rewards were devalued after half of the transfer phase. In both groups, gaming-related cues enhanced the choice of the gaming-related reward and this gaming PIT effect was reduced, however, not eliminated by the devaluation. Unexpectedly, stress did not significantly increase responding for the gaming-related reward in participants aware of the stimulus-outcome associations, however seemed to enhance habitual responding in unaware participants. Our findings underline the relevance of gaming-related cues in triggering habitual responses, which may undermine attempts to change a problematic gaming behavior.

Who has the greatest influence on adolescent gaming disorder: parents, teachers, or peers? An interpersonal relationships network model of gaming disorder.

Introduction: Gaming disorder (GD) in adolescents is associated with impaired interpersonal relationships, including those with parents, teachers and peers. However, the interpersonal relationships most strongly associated with GD-related maladaptive behaviors are not well established. This study aimed to investigate the associations between these three types of relationships and the manifestation of GD in adolescents. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1920 Chinese adolescents participated in a survey that assessed interpersonal relationships (parent-child, teacher-student, and peer relationships) and demographic variables (e.g., gender, grade, duration of gaming), and 1414 participants were ultimately included. A network analysis approach was utilized to evaluate the key network metrics of edge weight and node centrality. Results: The findings revealed that peer fear and inferiority (r = 0.12) and teacher-student conflict were most strongly correlated with GD, followed by parent-child conflict (r = 0.09). Peer fear and inferiority exhibited the highest strength centrality (0.84), followed by teacher-student conflict (0.83) and parent-child conflict (0.35). Moreover, the duration of gaming was significantly and positively correlated with GD (r = 0.19). Conclusions: The present study underscores the significant role of conflict and rejection within interpersonal relationships, particularly among peers, in the manifestation of GD-related behaviors in Chinese adolescents.