Problematic internet gaming and non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese adolescents: Moderating and mediating roles of anxiety.

INTRODUCTION: Despite consistent reports of the association between problematic internet gaming (PIG) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), an increase in PIG does not necessarily lead to increased NSSI. This apparent paradox indicates the presence of other mediators and moderators in the PIG-NSSI association. This study aimed to investigate the role of anxiety as a potential moderating and mediating factor of the PIG-NSSI association in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,479 Chinese adolescents (50.5% male; age range, 9-18 years). Standardized self-report questionnaires were used to assess the severity of PIG, anxiety, and NSSI. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were applied to examine the relationships among PIG, anxiety, and NSSI. Both moderating and mediating effects of anxiety were assessed using Hayes' methods. RESULTS: PIG, anxiety symptoms, and NSSI significantly correlated with one another. Anxiety significantly moderated the relationship between PIG and NSSI [B = 0.002, standard error (SE) = 0.000, p < 0.001], and it partially mediated the PIG-NSSI association [B = 0.017, SE = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.014-0.021]. Social concern and concentration were the two dimensions of anxiety that exerted the strongest mediation effect (B = 0.017, SE = 0.002, 95% CI 0.014-0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with PIG and high anxiety are likely to suffer more severe NSSI and may benefit from interventions to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Problematic Internet use and the risk of suicide ideation in Chinese adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis.

To evaluate the relationships between problematic Internet use (PIU) and suicidal ideation (SI) among adolescents, we encompassed 12,507 participants (16.6 ± 0.8 years). The occurrence of mood disorders, quality of life (QOL), personality traits and SI were compared in adolescents with and without PIU. Multilevel logistic regression models, trend analysis and interaction analysis were employed. A total of 2,809 (22.46%) adolescents reported SI. PIU was assessed using Internet Addiction Test score (IATs), and 3,442 (27.52%) participants met the criteria for PIU (IATs ≥ 40). PIU was significantly and independently associated with SI [AOR for suicidal ideation (vs. IATs < 40): 1.00 for 40-59 points; 1.3 (CI, 1.2-1.5): 60-79 points; 1.7 (CI, 1.4-2.1): 80-100 points; and 2.2 (CI, 1.2-3.9)]. Trend analysis demonstrated that PIU increased the risk of SI in each of the subgroups (p for trend ≤ 0.001 for each). Interaction analysis showed an association of PIU and SI that were dependent on mood disorders, QOL, impulsivity and aggression (p-value for interaction < 0.05). These findings highlight the need for a range of cross disciplinary health interventions to afflicted families, students, and clinicians, to increase the awareness of adverse PIU effects.

Associations between comorbid stress and Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms: Are there cultural and gender variations?

INTRODUCTION: The American Psychiatric Association has requested additional studies examine risk, protective, and cultural factors in relation to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The present study aimed to explore the association between stress as a potential IGD risk effect, the possible exacerbating role of cultural orientation (vertical individualism [VI]), and how this may vary between genders. METHODS: The sample included adult gamers from the USA, UK, and Australia. Analyses were conducted via linear regression, moderation, and moderated moderation. RESULTS: The results suggested that higher stress symptoms act to increase IGD risk. Gender and VI also influenced this association. DISCUSSION: Males presenting with higher levels of stress and VI were at greater risk of IGD compared to females who exhibited a reduction in IGD-related behaviors. This demonstrates a need for more research to determine how culture and gender can act to mitigate or worsen the risks associated with excessive gaming.