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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

The link between problematic internet use, problematic gaming, and psychological distress: does sleep quality matter?

Authors: Qian Wang, Komi Mati, Yong Cai

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of sleep quality in the association of problematic internet use (PIU) and problematic gaming with psychological distress among college students in China.

Methods

Data of 1040 full-time students from multiple colleges in China were examined. Respondents were asked about their internet use and gaming behaviors, sleep quality, psychological distress, and sociodemographic characteristics. The mediating role of sleep quality in the PIU- and problematic gaming-psychological distress link was examined respectively.

Results

PIU was associated with decreased sleep quality (r = .32, p < .001) and increased psychological distress (r = .46, p < .001). Problematic gaming was also associated with decreased sleep quality (r = .22, p < .001) and increased psychological distress (r = .46, p < .001). Sleep quality accounted for 23.5% of the indirect effect of PIU on psychological distress, and 17.9% of the indirect effect of problematic gaming on psychological distress.

Conclusions

Sleep quality had a meaningful mediating effect on the PIU-psychological distress link, but only exerted a small mediating effect on the problematic gaming-psychological distress link. In addition to promoting healthy internet usage, strategies aimed at mitigating the negative effect of excessive internet use on psychological health might benefit from those aimed at improving sleep quality.

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Title: The link between problematic internet use, problematic gaming, and psychological distress: does sleep quality matter?
Authors: Qian Wang
Komi Mati
Yong Cai
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/s12888-021-03105-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The link between problematic internet use, problematic gaming, and psychological distress: does sleep quality matter?

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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