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Relationship of Internet Gaming Disorder with Psychopathology and Social Adaptation in Italian Young Adults

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  • Concetta De Pasquale

    (Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Federica Sciacca

    (Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Valentina Martinelli

    (Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Matteo Chiappedi

    (Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Carmela Dinaro

    (Drug Addiction Health Service, SER.T—ASP3, 95024 Catania (CT), Italy)

  • Zira Hichy

    (Department of Education Science, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Internet addiction is currently considered a worldwide problem, with a possible impact on mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among Italian young adults and to explore its association with psychopathological symptoms. Our sample included 566 young adults (324 males/242 females; age: 22.74 ± 4.83 years). Participants were asked to state their favorite games and complete the following questionnaires: the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form (IGD9-SF); the APA symptom checklist, based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for IGD; the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90 R); and the Social Adaptation Self Evaluation Scale (SASS). Use of video games was common among study participants (95% of the sample). Thirty subjects (5.3% of the sample) matched criteria for a clinical diagnosis of IGD. Data showed a positive correlation between higher use of online games and higher levels of depression (r = 0.501), anxiety (r = 0.361) and psychoticism (r = 0.431), and lower family and extra-family relationships (r = −0.383). At linear regression analysis, somatization ( p = 0.002), depression ( p = 0.001) and sleep disturbances ( p = 0.003) were predictors of IGD diagnosis. IGD was significantly associated to mental health distress. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the problematic consequences of online gaming.

Suggested Citation

  • Concetta De Pasquale & Federica Sciacca & Valentina Martinelli & Matteo Chiappedi & Carmela Dinaro & Zira Hichy, 2020. "Relationship of Internet Gaming Disorder with Psychopathology and Social Adaptation in Italian Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-8, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:8201-:d:440917
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olatz Lopez-Fernandez & Daria J. Kuss, 2020. "Preventing Harmful Internet Use-Related Addiction Problems in Europe: A Literature Review and Policy Options," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Mi Jung Rho & Hyeseon Lee & Taek-Ho Lee & Hyun Cho & Dong Jin Jung & Dai-Jin Kim & In Young Choi, 2017. "Risk Factors for Internet Gaming Disorder: Psychological Factors and Internet Gaming Characteristics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mingchen Wei & Yanling Liu & Shuai Chen, 2022. "Violent Video Game Exposure and Problem Behaviors among Children and Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Deviant Peer Affiliation for Gender and Grade Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Umberto Volpe & Laura Orsolini & Virginio Salvi & Umberto Albert & Claudia Carmassi & Giuseppe Carrà & Francesca Cirulli & Bernardo Dell’Osso & Mario Luciano & Giulia Menculini & Maria Giulia Nanni & , 2022. "COVID-19-Related Social Isolation Predispose to Problematic Internet and Online Video Gaming Use in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-23, January.

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