Is internet gaming disorder associated with suicidal behaviors among the younger generation? Multiple logistic regressions on a large-scale purposive sampling survey. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Junus, Alvin; Hsu, Yu-cheng; Wong, Clifford; Yip, Paul S.F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 161(2023)
• Page Start: 2
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Internet gaming disorder -- Internet gaming -- Suicidal behaviors -- Youths -- Adolescents; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.02.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: The ubiquity of Internet gaming as part of the younger generation's (11-35 year-olds) lifestyle to-day warrants a deeper understanding of its impact on their mental health. In particular, there has been scant research investigating the link between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and suicidal behaviors in this demographic group, even though several mental health symptoms of the former are known risk factors for the latter. This paper aims to establish the presence or absence of association between IGD and each of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempt among the younger generation. A large-scale online survey on Internet gamers in Hong Kong was conducted in February 2019. 3430 respondents were recruited through purposive sampling. Study samples were stratified into distinct age groups and multiple logistic regression was conducted for each measured suicidal behavior in each age group. After controlling for sociodemographics, Internet usage, self-reported bullying perpetration and bullying victimization, social withdrawal, and self-reported psychiatric diagnoses such as depression and psychosis, analyses revealed that adolescent (11-17 year-old) gamers with IGD were more likely than their peers who had no IGD to have had suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempt in their lifetime. These associations did not hold for 18-35 year-old gamers. Findings suggest that it may be prudent to recognize IGD as a growing public mental health priority for the young populace, particularly adolescents. Existing suicide prevention efforts can be complemented through screening adolescents for IGD, and could be expanded to online gaming platforms to reach more hidden at-risk individuals. Highlights: Adolescent gamers with IGD had higher odds of lifetime suicidal ideation compared to their peers with no IGD. Adolescent gamers with IGD had higher odds of lifetime self-harm compared to their peers with no IGD. Adolescent gamers with IGD had higher odds of lifetime suicide attempt compared to their peers with no IGD. IGD was not associated with lifetime suicidal behaviors among gamers aged 18–35 years old. Suicide prevention efforts may be enhanced by screening individuals for IGD and expanding efforts to online game platforms.