Video game genre als moderator op de relatie tussen zelfcontrole en gameverslaving bij adolescenten van 12-18 jaar

Abstract

Background: Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between low self-control and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in adult and Asian adolescent samples. However, there is currently limited evidence for this relationship in western adolescents. It is crucial to expand the literature on this topic to include information about the relationship in adolescents in general. This is important because adolescents typically have lower self-control than adults in specific contexts, especially when the reward system is stimulated. Video games are known to be particularly effective at triggering this reward system. Additionally, studies have found that certain game genres (RPG, shooter, and strategy) have a direct impact on IGD and that adolescents with low self-control are highly susceptible to the mechanisms involved in these games. However, no research has yet been done on the moderating effect of game genres on the relationship between self-control and IGD. Aims: Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-control and IGD among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in the Netherlands. Additionally, the study examined whether game genre moderated this effect. Method: 236 adolescents (45.3% girls, MAge = 14.27, SDAge = 1.59), ranging from age 12 to 18, participated in this online questionnaire study, part of the longitudinal Digital Family Project by Utrecht University. IGD was measured using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, self-control was measured with the Self-control Scale, and game genres were coded using an expanded game genre categorization model. Results: This study found a significant negative relationship between self-control and IGD. In other words, low self-control was related to more IGD-symptoms. The game genres RPG, shooter, and strategy collectively did not moderate the relationship between self-control and IGD. Gender accounted for a significant portion of the explained variance. Furthermore, implications of these findings are explored, as well as explanations for a lack thereof regarding the moderating effect.