One of the most controversial addictions in current psychological literature is the Internet Addiction. It was not until 2013 that the DSM-5 included Internet Gaming Disorder as an existing disorder. Before the DSM-5, very little research was done on this topic because researchers were unaware of how to define it. Current research investigates the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder, as well as identifying potential risk factors related to the development of the disorder. Researchers believed that interpersonal relations predict prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder in teenagers.
In order to test their hypothesis, the researchers administered a variety of questionnaires to boys and girls in elementary and secondary school. The questionnaires asked about the respondent's symptoms of Video Game Addiction, quality of interpersonal relations and the coping strategies respondents use when dealing with problems.
Researchers found that males are more likely to show symptoms of video game and internet addiction than girls are. The study also found that when children have poor-quality interpersonal relationships, they are at a heightened risk of developing internet and video game addiction. Importantly, the majority of respondents scored within the sub-clinical range of having internet addiction disorder. This means that people who display some symptoms of video game and the internet addiction, may not receive treatment because they do not meet the requirements for a diagnosis.
These findings are important because it allows parents and teachers to be aware of the possible signs, symptoms and risk factors involved in internet and video game addiction disorder. By spreading awareness, we can reduce the number of children developing these disorders as well as improve clinical treatments.
Source:
Milani, L., Torre, G. L., Fiore, M., Grumi, S., Gentile, D. A., Ferrante, M.,...Blasio, P. D. (2017). Internet Gaming Addiction in Adolescence: Risk Factors and Maladjustment Correlates. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 16(4), 888-904. doi:10.1007/s11469-017-9750-2
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