Video Game Addiction, Anxiety, and the Moderating Role of Sociodemographic Factors in Peruvian Adolescents

Abstract

Background Video game addiction and anxiety are growing concerns among adolescents worldwide, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between video game addiction and anxiety in Peruvian adolescent students, considering the moderating role of sociodemographic factors. Method The study employed a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional approach with a sample of 202 students aged 12 to 17 years. The TDV Dependence Test and the Lima Anxiety Scale were used to measure video game addiction and anxiety, respectively. Data analysis included normality tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's rho correlation, and Fisher's confidence intervals. Results The findings revealed a highly significant relationship between video game addiction and anxiety (p < 0.01). However, the confidence intervals suggested that this relationship might be due to chance or may not truly exist in the studied population. High levels of video game addiction (28.2% very high, 13.9% high) and anxiety (24.8% severe, 20.3% moderate) were identified, with males being more affected by addiction and females by anxiety. Abstinence was significantly related to general anxiety and social phobia, while abuse and tolerance were related to agoraphobia. Sociodemographic factors did not moderate the relationship between video game addiction and anxiety (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study provides new evidence on the relationship between video game addiction and anxiety in Peruvian adolescents, highlighting the importance of analyzing confidence intervals for accurate interpretation. The significant relationships found between specific dimensions of video game addiction and anxiety could be theoretically explained by neurobiological, cognitive, and focused internet use models. Preventative and intervention strategies differentiated by gender are recommended to manage abstinence, abuse, tolerance, and associated anxious symptoms in adolescents.