Review manuscript: Emotional regulation in Gaming Disorder: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Problematic video game use is a source of concern. In addictions, difficulties with emotional regulation have become an important variable of interest. However, their study in relation to problematic video game use remains insufficient. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines; 322 studies were screened, resulting in a final sample of k = 18 studies. The methodological quality of these studies was rated as moderate according to the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative studies (CRF-Q). RESULTS: There is evidence of relationship between different facets of emotional regulation and the presence of problematic video game use. Particularly, video games serve as escape strategy for suppressing emotional expression. There is no consensus regarding the nature of the relationship between emotional regulation, psychopathology, and problematic video game use, with various proposals suggesting moderation and mediation. There is also no consensus regarding the mediation of gender in the relationship between emotional dysregulation and problematic video game use. The level of certainty regarding the validity of the results was moderate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Emotional dysregulation plays a role in problematic video game use, especially through strategies as emotional suppression, and lack of abilities to understand and control emotions. It is important to consider emotional regulation as a potential target for research and intervention in clinical populations. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: We review the largest sample of papers on problem gaming and emotion regulation to date. Our results highlight the importance of emotion regulation and, specially, emotional suppression, or negative escapism, on problematic video game use.

Video Game Playing and Internet Gaming Disorder: A Profile of Young Adolescents.

In recent times, growing concern has arisen regarding the utilization of technology, video games, and the emergence of internet gaming disorder (IGD), particularly among young adolescents. This worry arises from the ambiguity in distinguishing between "normal" and "problematic" video game behavior, despite efforts to establish clear criteria for defining both. The goal of this study is to outline distinct profiles of adolescent video game players and identify variables associated with their gaming practices that correlate with problematic gaming. The study utilizes a substantial sample of adolescents drawn from a representative cross-section of educational institutions in the city of Madrid, ranging in age from 12 to 16 years. In total, 1516 participants (75%) acknowledged engaging in video game activities. The research delves into characterizing prevailing profiles of video game participants within this cohort and scrutinizes the profile that aligns with issues of IGD. In summary, approximately three-quarters of young adolescents participate in video gaming, with males constituting the majority. Typically, participants immerse themselves in action genre games for over three days per week, with males exhibiting a higher frequency than their female counterparts. Elevated gaming frequency correlates with heightened IGD scores, particularly among females. Young adolescents show a preference for game consoles (males) and mobile phones (females) and often play alone at home. Specific factors such as the device used, online mode, company, and gaming location impact the IGD scores. These profiles aim to assist families and educators in recognizing potential risk behaviors and IGD concerns; however, it is crucial to emphasize the necessity for case-specific screening and evaluation before deliberating on such behaviors.

Cognitive Patterns and Problematic Use of Video Games in Adolescents: A Cluster Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Video game playing (VGP) is an increasingly common leisure activity among children and adolescents, although in some cases, it is accompanied by problems due to misuse. METHOD: A sample of 2884 children and adolescents aged between 12 and 20, representative of the Community of Madrid (Spain), were studied using a cluster analysis to explore the existence of cognitive patterns associated with engagement, attitudes, and concurrent cognitions. We also explored the relationship between these patterns and problematic VGP, using the 2173 gamers as a reference. RESULTS: The concurrent cognitions were not qualitatively different between the problematic users and the others. High engagement and high activation of concurrent cognitions (intensity and frequency) showed the greatest relationship with problematic VGP. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the existence of different groups of gamers and the relevance to include psycho-educational aspects in intervention programs, as well as the training of specific skills, especially those related with the control of activation. Limitations related to the sample size and potential supplementary analyses are acknowledged.

Women and videogames: What do they play? / Mujeres y videojuegos: ¿A qué juegan las mujeres?

La información sobre el uso de Videojuegos (VJ) en muestras generales refleja fundamentalmente las características de los hombres, por su mayor participación en VJ, dificultando identificar las características de las mujeres y su actividad de juego. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento lúdico de adolescentes y jóvenes madrileñas y su relación con el desarrollo de problemas de juego. Método: Se aplicó un cuestionario de autoinforme (Gamertest) a una muestra de 1.228 mujeres (12 -22 años) (M = 14.84; DT= 2.469), seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorio en centros educativos de la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: el 51% de las mujeres admite jugar. El perfil típico es una mujer que juega a VJ de forma esporádica y por cortos periodos de tiempo, preferiblemente juegos de Acción y Aventura o Puzles y Plataformas; principalmente en smartphones, en casa y sola, con el propósito de divertirse. Las principales variables predictivas de problemas de juego, identificadas con el Trastorno del Juego de Internet (TJI) en mujeres son: mayor número de horas de uso, participación en juegos de rol multijugador masivo online (MMORPG) y VJ de estrategia. El factor protector más importante es jugar a VJ acompañado. Se discuten los resultados.(AU)

The information on the use of Videogames (VG) in general samples fundamentally reflects the characteristics of men, because of their greater participation in VG, making it difficult to identify the characteristics of women and their gaming activity. Objective: To describe the gaming behaviour of adolescent and young women in Madrid, and its relation with the development of gaming problems. Method: A self-report questionnaire(Gamertest) was applied to a sample of 1,228 women (12 -22 years old) (M= 14.84; SD= 2.469), selected by randomized sampling in schools in the Community of Madrid. Results: 51% of women admit gaming. The typical profile is a woman who plays VG sporadically and for short periods of time, preferably Action and Adventure games or Puzzlesand Platforms, mainly on smartphones, at home and alone, with the purpose of having fun. The main predictive variables of gaming problems, identified with the Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in women are: a greater number of hours of use, playing MassivelyMultiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), and Strategy VG. The most protective factor is playing VG accompanied. The results are discussed.(AU)

Exposición de jóvenes y adolescentes a la publicidad de los juegos de azar: una revisión sistemática / Exposure of adolescents and youth to Gambling advertising: a sys-tematic review

Los posibles efectos negativos de la publicidad de juegos de azar (JdA), sobre todo en Adolescentes y Jóvenes (AyJ), generan alarma social. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de las investigaciones sobre publicidad y juego en AyJ, en los últimos 10 años, siguiendo las directrices PRISMA, seleccionándose 31 trabajos. Los resultados destacan que AyJ, en contra de la legislación, participan con frecuencia en JdA, presentando problemas de juego. La publicidad de JdA es variada e intensa en especial en TV, eventos deportivos y redes sociales, estando dirigida a JyA, aunque suelen ser críticos con ella. Afecta más a varones jóvenes y con conductas de juego inadecuadas, consolidándolas. Los contenidos principales tratan de normalizar el juego y resaltar ganancias (sociales o económicas). El nivel de recuerdo y las actitudes sobre la publicidad del juego se asocian a incrementos en la intención de jugar, comportamientos de juego, y problemas de juego. Los incentivos más eficaces para jugar incluyen promociones económicas. La publicidad parece tener efecto, aunque reducido, para mejorar la actitud hacia los JdA e incrementar la participación en éstos, pero es difícil identificar sus efectos a medio y largo plazo. Son necesarios más estudios sobre JdA y publicidad, en especial en España

The possible negative effects of gambling Advertising (GA), especially in Adolescents and Youth (A&Y), generate social alarm. A systematic review of the research on advertising and gambling in A&Y in the last 10 years was carried out, following the PRISMA guidelines, including 31 studies. The results highlight that A&Y, against the law, frequently participate in gambling, with some having gambling problems. GA is varied and intense, especially on TV, sporting events and social networks, also targeting A&Y, although they are often critical of it. It affects more young men and people with inappropriate gambling behaviours, consolidating those behaviours. The main messages try to normalise gambling and highlight profits (social or economic). The levels of recall, as well as the attitudes about GA are associated with an increase in gambling intentions, behaviours, and problems. The most effective incentives to gamble include economic promotions. Advertising seems to have an effect, albeit reduced, to improve the attitude towards gambling and increase participation, but it is difficult to identify its effects in the medium and long term. More studies on gambling and advertising are necessary, especially in Spain

Prevalence and Characteristics of Sports Betting in a Population of Young Students in Madrid.

The participation of young people in sports betting is causing social alarm as a result of both its invasive advertising and its possible involvement in the development of gaming problems. The objective of this study is to identify and characterise the situation in which young students in Madrid participate in sports betting. A Sports Betting Evaluation Questionnaire was given to a convenience sample of 735 young students from Madrid (aged 18-25), both live (face-to-face) and on-line. 42.6% of the sample admitted having placed sports bets at one time; 81% of those who had bet were men and 78% had bet live, versus 18% who had done so on-line and 5% using both systems. Men were found to bet more frequently and spend more money and more time doing so than women. Those who bet on-line do so more frequently and spend more money and more time than those who bet live. Young people bet mainly on football and the most frequent bets are the most obvious ones, i.e. on the winner. The frequency of participation in sports betting is high, but the time and money spent is moderate, albeit always higher in men than in women.