Reciprocal relationship between depression and Internet gaming disorder in children: A 12-month follow-up of the iCURE study using cross-lagged path analysis

Abstract

Objectives Previous studies have reported an association between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and depression, but the directionality of the relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the reciprocal relationship between level of depressive symptoms and IGD among children in a longitudinal study. Methods Research panels for this study consisted of 366 elementary-school students in the iCURE study. All participants were current Internet users, so they could be considered an at-risk population for IGD. Self-reported severity of IGD features and level of depression were assessed by the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen and Children’s Depression Inventory, respectively. Follow-up assessment was completed after 12 months. We fitted cross-lagged structural equation models to investigate the association between the two variables at two time points contemporaneously. Results The cross-lagged analysis revealed that level of depression at baseline significantly predicted severity of IGD features at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.15, p = .003). Severity of IGD features at baseline also significantly predicted level of depression at the 12-month follow-up (β = 0.11, p = .018), controlling for possible confounding factors. Conclusions The cross-lagged path analysis indicates a reciprocal relationship between severity of IGD features and level of depressive symptoms. Understanding the reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and severity of IGD features can assist in interventions to prevent both conditions. These findings provide theoretical support for prevention and remediation plans for IGD and depressive symptoms among children.

Coping, Resilience, and Perceived Stress in Individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder in Taiwan

“…Individuals with IGD have been reported to experience higher stress [ 7 , 14 ]. A coping strategy mediates the association between stress and depression or anxiety [ 15 , 16 ], the two common comorbid psychiatric symptoms of IGD [ 17 , 18 ]. Thus, gamers use gaming as a coping strategy to escape from stress, implying that coping with stress is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in the treatment of IGD [ 7 ].…”

Associations Between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms Mediated by Depressive Symptoms and Hopelessness Among College Students

“… 25 There has also been evidence of a positive correlation between depressive symptoms and ADHD symptoms in college students. 26 Additionally, longitudinal studies have also pointed to a reciprocal relationship between the severity of IGD features and the level of depressive symptoms in children; 27 in addition, depressive symptoms can positively predict IGD in adolescents, but not inversely. 28 For college students, depression symptoms can predict the severity of IGD symptoms, mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and IGD, and augment its negative influence.…”

Gaming Disorder and Well-Being Among Emirati College Women

“…The direction of the association between gaming and depression, and the exact role of depression in relation to disordered gaming, are still debated. There is some evidence for a comorbidity ( 16 , 17 ), some for a mediating effect ( 15 ), some for a possible reciprocity in the relationship between gaming and depression ( 16 , 41 ), and some evidence of a prospective effect of gaming on depression ( 42 ).…”