International comparison of gaming disorder symptomatology: Analysis of Ithra’s 30-nation digital wellbeing survey

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Computers in Human Behavior

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Abstract

Gaming disorder prevalence varies greatly between nations and world regions. However, much of the multinational comparative research relies upon analysis of pooled studies in the form of metanalytic reviews. Few studies have compared international gaming disorder prevalence within the same analysis, using common timeframes, samples and measures. The present study addresses this gap, examining gaming disorder symptomatology and its socio-demographic correlates across 30 countries. Participants (N = 15,000) were representative adult samples (N = 500) drawn from 30 nations. All participants provided socio-demographic data and completed a measure of gaming disorder symptoms. Gaming disorder prevalence varied widely between nations. Linear mixed models identified several correlates, including age, gender, parenthood and education. Even after controlling for demographic variables, marked differences in national-level gaming disorder remained, with Asian and Middle Eastern nations (India, Turkey, China, UAE, Singapore) at the high end, and South and Central American nations (Columbia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) at the low end. Possible explanation for this nation-level variability are discussed. These findings can help inform policy initiatives to reduce and prevent gaming disorder.

ISSN

0747-7692

Publisher

Elsevier BV

First Page

107993

Last Page

107993

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Indexed in Scopus

no

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS