Relationship between the symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder and difficulties in emotion regulation in online game players

Abstract

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) was included in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Among the diagnostic criteria are the act of gaming to avoid or alleviate negative mood and constant concern with games, which may be associated with emotional regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IGD symptoms and emotional regulation difficulties in online game players. A total of 216 respondents participated in the research, who answered an online form composed of sociodemographic questions, the Difficulty in Emotional Regulation Scale and the Game Addiction Scale. The results point to a positive correlation between the two scales (ρ = 0,36). The literature points out that the amount of hours played, the motivation for gaming and the game’s genre can contribute to the maintenance of the symptoms of the disorder, but also aspects related to emotional regulation in the context of online games, especially multiplayer games. Differences were found between the scores and gender of the participants, in which the female group had greater difficulties in emotional regulation, while the male group showed more symptoms of IGD. More studies are needed to deepen the discussion of the topic, considering the growing concern about possible clinical implications.