Prevalence and Correlates of (Internet) Gaming Disorder among Young Adults in Singapore.

Abstract

There is a lack of estimates of prevalence rates of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and gaming disorder (GD) among young adults in Singapore. Consequently, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of IGD and GD, and their relationships with known correlates. Participants were a representative sample of 1008 young adults in Singapore. They completed instruments that assess IGD, GD, gaming motivations, negative emotional states, and sleep quality. The results showed a prevalence rate of 10.3% for IGD and 5.0% for GD. Males had a higher IGD and GD prevalence rate (14.6% and 7.2%) than females (6.2% and 2.8%). Furthermore, participants with IGD or GD reported higher gaming time, and higher scores on gaming motivations, negative emotional states, and sleep quality than their counterparts with no IGD or GD. The higher prevalence rates in this study compared to other global studies suggest that problematic gaming is a social issue in Singapore. Known correlates relating to gender, gaming time, motivations, and emotions were confirmed in the current study. The finding that participants with IGD or GD had better sleep quality was inconsistent with previous studies and could be due to the use of a single item to assess sleep quality. Limitations include the use of a cross-sectional correlational design. Future research could develop and evaluate prevention programs or intervention programs to alleviate the symptoms and negative consequences of problematic gaming.