In a Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling study of college students, investigators identified internet gaming disorder in 1.25% of participants. Among students who engaged in internet gaming in the past 30 days, 22% likely had internet gaming disorder.
Also, male students were more likely to engage in internet gaming. Gaming was not associated with social intelligence, with the majority of gamers reporting that they prefer to game with others.
Of the students who engaged in internet gaming, 59% reported withdrawal symptoms, with symptoms resolving around 6 hours. This indicates that withdrawal symptoms (impatience, anxiousness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, restlessness, and depression) are experienced by gamers who do not meet full criteria for internet gaming disorder.
“As mental health professionals, it is important for us to be able to accurately identify the presence of internet gaming disorder with our clients and to recognize the impact that withdrawal symptoms have on other areas of their life,” said lead author Jessica M. Holm, PhD, of the University of Texas at Tyler. “As research continues to paint a more clear picture for us, we will be able to better meet the needs our clients.”
Additional Information
Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaoc.12094
About Journal
Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling (JAOC) focuses on prevention and treatment programs, the attitudes and behaviors of substance abuse professionals, tested techniques, treatment of adolescents and adults, and qualitative and quantitative studies. It is also open to literature focusing on the attitudes and behaviors of addictions and offender counselors.
Articles are of interest to professionals in the field of addictions and offender counseling.
About Wiley
Wiley is a global leader in research and education, unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. For over 200 years, Wiley has fueled the world’s knowledge ecosystem. Today, our high-impact content, platforms, and services help researchers, learners, institutions, and corporations achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Visit us at Wiley.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.