JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among university students has become a great concern of university counsellors worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 related social isolation was positively correlated with IGD. However, the impact pathway of self-control on IGD remain unclear.

Objective:

We aimed to explore the associations among social isolation, self-control and IGD in Chinese university students and examine whether self-control mediates the positive effects of social isolation on IGD.

Methods:

A total of 479 students were recruited from six university located in three different regions of Shandong Province, China. The isolation subscale of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Self-Control Scale and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were used to assess social isolation, self-control and internet gaming disorder among university students.

Results:

Social isolation was positively correlated with IGD (p < 0.05) and that self-control was negatively correlated with social isolation and IGD(each p < 0.05). Self-control played a mediating role in the association between social isolation and IGD (coeffect = -0.185, 95% CI = -0.295 - -0.087). Compared with male students, the effects of social isolation on IGD among female students were lower.

Conclusions:

This study highlight the need to decrease students’ IGD during the pandemic, especially that of male students. Effective interventions that alleviate social isolation and enhance self-control should be developed.