JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The present study provided the first findings on the interaction effects between low self-control and presence of MIL and search for MIL on IGD symptoms and functioning among a large sample of adolescents in rural China. The results have implications for targeted interventions to help male adolescents with lower self-control and presence of meaning.

Objective:

The present study aimed to examine the effects of low self-control and MIL and their interaction effects on IGD symptoms and family and school functioning in a structural equation model.

Methods:

A sample of 2,064 adolescents (967 males (46.9%), mean age = 14.6 years) was recruited from five middle schools in Sichuan, China in 2022. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire with validated measures on low self-control, presence of MIL, search for MIL, IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. Construct validity, measurement invariance, and structural invariance of the measures were evaluated via CFA across gender. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the indirect effects of low self-control and MIL on family and school functioning via IGD symptoms. Latent moderated SEM was performed to examine the interaction effects between low self-control and MIL on IGD symptom, school commitment, and family functioning.

Results:

All scales showed satisfactory model fit and scalar measurement invariance by gender. Males showed significantly greater IGD symptoms and lower levels of self-control (Cohen’s d = 0.25 – 1.20, P < .001) than females. IGD symptoms were significantly and positively associated with impulsivity (β = .20, P = .004), temper (β = .25, P < .001), and search for meaning (β = .11, P = .048) and significantly and negatively associated with presence of meaning (β = –.21, P < .001). Presence of MIL and impulsivity showed a significant and negative interaction effect (β = -.11, SE = .05, P = .03) on IGD symptoms. The positive effect of impulsivity on IGD symptoms was stronger among adolescents with low presence of MIL than those with high presence of MIL. Presence of MIL and search for MIL showed significant and positive interaction effects (β = .08, SE = .04, P = .03 - .045) with temper on family functioning. The negative effects of temper on family functioning were stronger among adolescents with low levels of MIL than those with high levels of MIL.

Conclusions:

The present study provided the first findings on the interaction effects between low self-control and presence of MIL and search for MIL on IGD symptoms and functioning among a large sample of adolescents in rural China. The results have implications for targeted interventions to help male adolescents with lower self-control and presence of meaning.