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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Internet gaming disorder behaviours: a preliminary exploration of individualism and collectivism profiles

Authors: Vasileios Stavropoulos, Tyler Michael John Frost, Taylor Brown, Peter Gill, Trent Anthony Footitt, Lee Kannis-Dymand

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) behaviours involve excessive use of Internet games to the extent that one’s everyday life is compromised. It has been suggested that IGD symptoms are dependent on whether one is more individualistic or collectivistic. However, the range of potential individualism-collectivismeffects on IGD presentations remains largely unknown. The current study aims to further understanding of the role of individualistic and collectivistic tendencies in IGD, allowing us to develop more gamer centredIGD prevention and intervention strategies.

Methods

One thousand and thirty-twocommunity participants withinternet gaming experience were measured online for IGD symptom’s severity using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form (IGDS9-SF) andindividualism-collectivism behavioursvia the Individualism & Collectivism Scale (ICS). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and T-Tests were performed in relation to their responses.

Results

Upon inspection of the LCA output, two profiles of internet gamers were identified. These includedthe Collectivism Aversivegamers (CA; 11%) and the Collectivism Neutral gamers (CN; 89%). The CA gamers displayed significantly higher IGD behaviours overall, and, were higher inpreoccupation, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, relapse, deception, escapism/mood modification, and functional impairment compared to CN gamers. There were no differences between CA and CN gamers in loss of interest and conflicts with others.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that one’s individualism-collectivism orientation can influence the presentation of IGD. Specifically, those who are less collectivistic or are less influenced by social groups willdisplay greater IGD symptoms and present a profile that requires a different intervention from gamers who are more collectivistic. Researchers and clinicians should emphasize the value of belonging in a collective and experiencing equality with others in relation to mental health and gaming patterns.

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Title: Internet gaming disorder behaviours: a preliminary exploration of individualism and collectivism profiles
Authors: Vasileios Stavropoulos
Tyler Michael John Frost
Taylor Brown
Peter Gill
Trent Anthony Footitt
Lee Kannis-Dymand
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03245-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Internet gaming disorder behaviours: a preliminary exploration of individualism and collectivism profiles

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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