JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Gaming time, impulsivity, and self-control are known determinants of internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, their reciprocity has not been empirically tested.

Objective:

This longitudinal study hence was the first to test the potential bi-directional relationships among these four variables.

Methods:

In this study, 1,857 junior middle school students self-administered an anonymous questionnaire in a classroom setting at both baseline and follow-up (one year later) surveys.

Results:

The cross-lagged panel model adjusted for background characteristics and showed that (1) the prospective effect of gaming time on IGD was statistically non-significant (β = 0.03; p = 0.438), but IGD significantly predicted gaming time (β = 0.05; p = 0.003); (2) self-control significantly predicted both gaming time (β = -0.08; p<0.001) and IGD (β = -0.17; p<0.001) and, reversely, self-control was the outcome of IGD (β = -0.05; p = 0.050) but not gaming time (β = 0.01; p = 0.984); and (3) impulsivity was neither the causes nor the outcomes of IGD (β = 0.06 [p = 0.165] and 0.02 [p = 0.453], respectively) as well as gaming time (β = 0.01 [p = 0.770] and -0.01 [p = 0.953], respectively).

Conclusions:

There were differential effects regarding the bidirectional relationships among impulsivity, self-control, gaming time, and IGD among Chinese adolescents. Specifically, gaming time was an outcome instead of a cause of IGD while self-control was both the cause and the outcome of IGD. These results enhance the understanding of antecedents and consequences of IGD and are implicative for devising effective IGD interventions.