Examining the Indirect Effect of Online Gaming on Depression via Sleep Inequality and Anxiety—A Serial and Parallel Mediation Analysis

Abstract

Stress-related disorders are highly prevalent among first-year college students. Gaming disorder (GD) is an emerging disorder linked to physical and psychological consequences. We aimed to investigate the mechanism linking GD with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders among first-year undergraduate students. Four hundred fifty-seven participants were recruited, and the survey included the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our results showed that female students scored significantly higher than males in anxiety and depression. Furthermore, we found that depression is positively and strongly correlated to anxiety, and both are moderately associated with sleep quality. Gaming is positively related to depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Interestingly, the health sciences tracks showed lower sleep quality than undergraduates from other tracks. There was a 64% variance in depression explained by many predictors, including anxiety, sleep quality, gaming, painkiller use, and gender. In addition, the mediation models showed that the association between gaming and depression is mediated indirectly by sleep quality, and sleep quality may be mediated directly by anxiety. The first year in college occurs at a critical developmental and professional stage, and our results highlight the need to establish support programs and conduct mental health educational workshops.

Effects of internet addiction and academic satisfaction on mental health among college students after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China

“…While older adults are also utilizing the internet more frequently, the majority of internet users are adolescents and young people, particularly among the digital generation (1)(2)(3)(4). Research indicates that an imbalance between internet use and sleep will directly impact academic performance and long-term physical and mental health (5,6).…”

Detecting signs of mental health problems in secondary school-aged youth

“…It has been proposed that they should be immediately offered a multiprofessional initial assessment, followed by a multiprofessional appointment to coordinate the services required. [24] There is also evidence that game addiction, which is more common in boys than girls, is associated with depression and anxiety [25,26] Internet and game addictions, as well as social isolation have increased in the past few years, [27] along with sleeping, nutrition, emotional and relationship problems. [28] Excessive use of smart phones may increase sleep disorders and depression.…”