Gaming Disorder and Well-Being Among Emirati College Women

Abstract

Background: The present study examined Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and depressive symptom levels among a predominantly female sample of college students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: IGD was assessed among two successive cohorts of students at the beginning of the academic year in 2016 and 2019, respectively. All participants (n = 412) completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) and the WHO-5 Well-being Index (WHO-5), a tool widely used for the screening and assessment of depressive symptomatology.Results: Mean IGDS9-SF scores (15.85, SD = 6.40) were fairly similar to those observed in other nations. The prevalence of IGD was 1.45%, based on the stringent cut-off score (> = 40). Prevalence of IGD rose to 18.20% when using the less stringent cut-off (> = 21). There was an increase in the rate of IGD between 2016 and 2019, although not statistically significant. Higher IGDS9-SF scores were associated with greater depressive symptomatology; those scoring above the less stringent IGD cut-off had a greater likelihood of screening positive for depression OR = 2.28, 95% CI (1.176–4.428).Conclusions: This study provides insights about IGD among a predominantly female Arab population, finding a correlation with mood disorder symptomatology and suggesting an increase in problematic gaming over time. The results are discussed with reference to the mood repair hypothesis and the possibility of IGD being a dual disorder. The association with depressive symptoms is also discussed in light of the neurobiology of addictive behaviors and sexual dimorphism.

Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among Saudi Arabian university students: relationship with psychological distress

“…This study found a positive association between IGD scores, average playtime, number of games played regularly, and average money spent on gaming in line with previous studies ( Hawi et al., 2018 ; Rehbein et al., 2015 ). Although multiple studies have reported a higher prevalence among male participants compared to females ( Elnahas et al., 2018 ; Fam, 2018 ; Hawi et al., 2018 ; King and Delfabbro, 2019 ), another study from the UAE found an increase in the prevalence of IGD among females ( Verlinden et al., 2021 ). However, no such a difference was observed in this study which could be because of the limited sample sizes.…”

“…The prevalence rate rose to 18.20% with a less stringent cutoff (≥ = 21). Although the rate of IGD increased between 2016 and 2019, the respective increase was not found to be statistically significant ( Verlinden et al., 2021 ). Problematic Internet use/computer gaming has been reported among 10% of college students in the US, and is significantly correlated with mental health symptomatology ( Stevens et al., 2020 ).…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Internet Gaming Disorder among Residents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A study among 370 female university students in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia, found that approximately half had moderate to severe internet addiction [34]. A study among predominantly female college students in UAE found an increase in the prevalence of IGD across two-time points, and although this trend was observed among male participants as well, it was more pronounced among female students [35].…”

Journey into the Virtual Realm: Exploring Gaming Addiction, Sensation Seeking, and Boredom Proneness in Arabic Special Learners

“…The incidence rate increased to 18.20% when the cut-off was loosened from 14 to 21. According to statistics, the increase in IGD cases from 2016 to 2019 was non-significant (Verlinden et al, 2021). There is a substantial association between internet/computer gaming difficulties and mental health symptomatology (Stevens et al, 2020), and 10% of American college students have reported having problems in this area.…”