Journal of Behavioral Addictions最新文献

Background: Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a mental health condition that has attracted significant research attention, especially following its inclusion in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization. Despite this recognition, the field remains fragmented with ongoing debates about its classification and a lack of comprehensive cross-cultural research. In this study, bibliometrics was used to characterize the development status of CSBD over the past 25 years and to identify key research hotspots and future trends.

Methods: This study collected data from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed the literature related to CSBD from 2000 to 2024. A total 2,261 publications were examined for their characteristics, including annual publication volume, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords. Several bibliometric and visualization tools (e.g., VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, and Pajek) were used to conduct the analysis of co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence and descriptive.

Results: The analysis identified a consistent upward trend in research interest in CSBD, particularly after its inclusion in ICD-11. Co-occurrence analysis of 82 author keywords with frequencies of more than 12 resulted in 5 clusters: (1) competing conceptualizations of CSBD; (2) comorbidity of CSBD with other psychiatric disorders; (3) assessment, risk factors, and treatment; (4) gender differences and sexual health; (5) CSB caused by neurological diseases. Moreover, the findings of countries/regions analysis indicate that publications are mainly from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries/regions, and collaborative networks mainly connect countries from the North America and Europe. Despite its growing recognition, the field still lacks interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive studies from non-WEIRD contexts, highlighting a need for broader, cross-cultural research.

Conclusions: This study comprehensively maps global research trends in CSBD, identifies critical knowledge gaps, and provides a foundation for future research. By synthesizing the current research status, it aims to guide researchers toward emerging topics and foster a more cohesive understanding of CSBD.

Background and aims: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a psychological condition that impairs various aspects of life, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable due to developmental factors and heightened digital exposure. This study aims to explore the interplay between behavioral and neural bases of the development of IGD, offering insights for possible prevention strategies.

Methods: A large sample of young adults (n = 1,205, age (SD) = 18.80 (1.26)) was assessed for impulsivity, sensation seeking, and IGD tendency. Two year later, impulsivity and IGD tendency were evaluated again, to expose possible long-term effects. Resting-state MRI data were collected to measure the topological properties of functional networks through graph theory analysis, encompassing global efficiency, local efficiency, and degree centrality.

Results: Sensation seeking was positively associated with impulsivity, which, in turn, was positively linked to IGD tendency. A cross-lagged effect between impulsivity and IGD tendency was evident over a two-year timeframe. Furthermore, whole-brain local efficiency was a positive predictor of impulsivity, with centrality and efficiency of the right thalamus, along with local efficiency of the right lingual gyrus, demonstrating positive correlations with IGD tendency.

Conclusion: This study revealed that sensation seeking indirectly affects IGD tendency through impulsivity, which also directly impacts IGD. Neural correlates of impulsivity included local efficiency, and of IGD tendency, included the right thalamus and lingual gyrus. These findings offer insights into IGD mechanisms and possible prevention approaches.

Background and aims: Players of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games are at a heightened risk of developing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). We aimed to investigate the neural responses triggered by kills and deaths during real MOBA gameplay and explore their association with addiction-related psychological traits and subjective pleasant or unpleasant experiences.

Methods: We developed an experimental protocol to capture moments of kills and deaths during real MOBA gameplay. Game players who frequently play "Honor of Kings" or "League of Legends" on mobile phones for at least 12 months were recruited. All participants completed the IGD-20 assessment and played six matches while concurrently recording electroencephalography with a 64-channel setting.

Results: Among males, the amplitude of P300 induced by kills and deaths showed a significant negative correlation with IGD-20 scores. Additionally, the post-death beta-band event-related synchronization (ERS) and theta-band event-related desynchronization (ERD) were significantly positively correlated with IGD-20 scores in males, while no significant correlation was found among females. The amplitude of P300 following deaths was significantly negatively correlated with subjective unpleasant experiences in males, yet positively correlated in females. Regardless of gender, the amplitude of post-kill P300 and beta-ERS were negatively correlated with pleasant experiences.

Discussion and conclusions: This study establishes an ecologically-embedded paradigm that successfully captures real-time neural signatures of valenced in-game events in MOBA games. We offer a novel methodological framework and theoretical perspective for investigating IGD and will inspire further research into the neural mechanisms underlying IGD in naturalistic gaming environments.

Introduction: Global research has explored the relationship between trait mindfulness and problematic usage of the internet (PUI), an umbrella term encompassing uncontrolled, excessive, and potentially harmful online behaviors with significant individual and societal costs. Relatedly, studies have examined trait mindfulness in relation to screen time and nomophobia (i.e., the discomfort from having no access to one's technology).

Methods: We systematically searched eight databases from inception to April 04, 2024 with no language restrictions.

Results: We included 140 studies involving 79,080 participants. A medium negative relationship between overall trait mindfulness and PUI (k = 120; r = -0.38) was found. Specific facets of trait mindfulness, including Acting with awareness (k = 19; r = -0.42), Non-judging of experience (k = 16; r = -0.24), and Describing (k = 14; r = -0.11) were negatively associated with PUI, while Non-reactivity to inner experience (k = 13; r = -0.07) and Observing (k = 14; r = 0.03) were not. Small negative correlations were observed between trait mindfulness and screen time (k = 17; r = -0.11) and nomophobia (k = 12; r = -0.26). Relationships were robust in sensitivity analyses, such as excluding outliers or low quality studies, or using longitudinal data. No publication bias was observed.

Discussion and conclusion: Individuals with higher trait mindfulness tend to exhibit fewer signs of PUI and nomophobia and report slightly less screen time. Trait mindfulness may protect against future PUI. High-quality, more fine-grained longitudinal research is needed to explore how specific facets of mindfulness, PUI subtypes, and screen time interact.

Background and aims: Gambling advertising on social media negatively affects public health. Advertising repositories represent a novel data access method for studying the commercial and legal determinants of health. Loot boxes are gambling-like products in video games that players, including young children, buy to obtain random rewards. Their advertising is specifically regulated in the UK and South Korea: loot box presence must be disclosed in any advertising. This rule is enforced differently: the UK relies on industry self-regulation with little deterrence effect, whilst South Korea imposes strict penalties. We assessed and compared compliance to inform policymaking.

Methods: Using Meta's advertising repository, we searched whether 394 popular mobile, console, and PC games with loot boxes advertised in the UK and South Korea. The most recently published ads after the rules came into force (N = 2,358) were analysed for compliance.

Results: Only 8.4% of UK and 7.6% of South Korean ads disclosed loot box presence. Further, 71.4% of UK disclosures and 44.9% of Korean disclosures were not reasonably visually prominent as required, thus the true compliance rates were 2.4% and 4.2%.

Conclusions: Most video games are not complying with international loot box advertising rules. More active enforcement, imposing stricter penalties against non-compliance, providing detailed guidance, and educating foreign companies may lead to better compliance. Governments should not rely on toothless industry self-regulation or unenforced laws to address public health concerns when the evidence indicates widespread non-compliance. Policymakers should adopt laws requiring companies to provide data access to facilitate better independent research.

Background and aims: Inducements are a core component of gambling marketing. They have attracted increased attention from regulators due to their potential links to gambling harms. We deployed a randomised, pre-registered online experiment to test whether inducements cause specific changes to gambling behaviour.

Methods: 622 males aged under 40 made incentive-compatible betting choices over Euro 2024 football matches. Participants were randomised to see bets with inducements or to a control group with no inducements. Some participants were also randomised to see inducement-linked bets where the expected value odds made them the worst available choice, i.e., a dominated option that was an objectively "bad bet" even accounting for the inducement.

Results: Inducements increased the amount spent on bets by over 10% and almost halved the number of people opting not to bet. Those with evidence of problem gambling were disproportionately affected. Inducements also led to decision errors, making bettors three times more likely to choose bad bets.

Discussion and conclusions: Our findings add to growing evidence that inducements risk causing harm to consumers, with worse effects among those with evidence of problem gambling. We provide novel evidence that inducements push gamblers into making decision errors, opting for bad bets that heighten the risk of financial harm. Our findings support the regulation of inducements to reduce gambling harms.

Background and aims: A growing body of evidence suggests that excessive digital engagement can lead to adverse consequences, especially in children and adolescents. Many stakeholders point to prevention in the school environment as one way to mitigate these harms, though their effectiveness is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate existing school-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing digital addiction and screen time among individuals aged 6-19 years old.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search across various databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies published between 2013 and 2023, of which 34 met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The reviewed interventions were particularly effective at reducing measures of problematic digital technology use (d = 1.47 after intervention; d = 1.13 at follow-up), while being less effective at reducing screen time (d = 0.15 after intervention; d = 0.15 at follow-up). Interventions which were externally led, actively included parents, targeted at-risk youth or employed a therapy-based approach were more successful at decreasing problematic digital technology use. A slightly larger decrease in screen time was observed in interventions with external leaders, targeting at risk populations and those lasting upwards of three months.

Discussion and conclusions: Due to the observed publication bias and modest statistical power within subgroup analyses, more empirical research is recommended to confirm the identified trends. Overall, given the promising results, policymakers should strongly consider exploring possibilities of systemic inclusion of digital addiction interventions within the school curriculum.

Background and objectives: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a growing public health concern, especially among adolescents. However, most IGD studies are cross-sectional, leaving its developmental course poorly understood. This study examined IGD trajectories, their predictors, and their long-term mental health outcomes among Chinese adolescents.

Methods: A cohort of 16,833 adolescent gamers (mean age = 13.40, 46.56% girls) was recruited from 76 middle schools in Zigong City through cluster sampling. Assessments were conducted in November 2020 (T1), November 2021 (T2), and November 2022 (T3). IGD was measured using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Demographic, gaming, environmental, and psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, sleep problems, suicidal ideation, conduct problems, hyperactivity, resilience, mental wellbeing, prosocial behavior) were also assessed. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) identified IGD trajectories, and logistic regression evaluated predictors and mental health outcomes at T3.

Results: GMM identified four IGD trajectories: High-Risk Decreasing (4.5%), Moderate-Risk Stable (19.5%), Moderate-Risk Increasing (3.0%), and Low-Risk Stable (73.0%). Age, gaming time, anxiety, sleep problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and low prosocial behavior predicted worsening IGD symptoms. At T3, the Moderate-Risk Increasing group had significantly higher risks for adverse mental health outcomes compared to the Low-Risk Stable group, whereas the High-Risk Decreasing group showed no significant or minimal differences in most domains from the Low-Risk Stable group after adjusting for baseline characteristics.

Discussion and conclusions: These findings underscore the heterogeneous nature of IGD development and highlight the need for long-term monitoring and tailored interventions to mitigate adverse mental health outcomes in at-risk adolescents.

Background and aim: The 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) recognizes gaming disorder (GD) as a behavioral addiction, but its implications for the clinical diagnostic practice of GD remain underexplored. This study examines the clinical diagnosis of GD since its inclusion in ICD-11 to understand trends in diagnosis rates in psychiatric departments and patient characteristics, particularly comorbidities.

Method: This multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted in five large tertiary hospitals and mental health centers across four Chinese provinces. Diagnoses of GD in each hospital were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) or ICD-11 criteria. Data were extracted from hospital records, including demographics, diagnoses, and medical history.

Result: Of the 7,877,415 total visitors, 3,517 unique patients (0.045%) met GD diagnostic criteria. GD diagnoses showed a significant linear increase (χ2 = 83.143, p < 0.001) from 2018 to 2023. 37.59% of GD patients had comorbidities, mostly mood disorders, followed by impulse control disorders, schizophrenia or other primary psychotic disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients were younger (F = 48.69, p < 0.001), mainly aged 12-18.

Discussion and conclusions: This study reveals an upward trend in GD diagnosis from 2018 to 2023, showing a trend toward younger diagnosis age, especially in males. Notably, there's a high rate of comorbidities, with mood disorders being the most common. While ICD-11 may have improved GD identification, further research is needed to clarify whether the increased rates are due to higher prevalence or better recognition.

Background and aims: Problematic smartphone use (PSU), characterized by excessive and compulsive engagement with smartphones, is significantly shaped by the family environment. Recent studies have shown that childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with increased PSU. Despite this growing recognition, comprehensive, quantitative evaluations of this connection remain scarce. The present meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing quantitative evidence on the relationship between PSU and CM.

Methods: We systematically searched databases including Web of Science, ProQuest, PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Weipu for studies published up to March 1, 2025. Eligible papers were quantitative, peer-reviewed studies that allowed statistical calculation of the relationship between PSU and CM.

Results: Across 51 studies (99 effect sizes), a moderate positive correlation was found between CM and PSU (r = 0.264, 95% CI [0.226, 0.301], p < 0.001). Notably, as age increases, the impact of physical and sexual abuse on individuals appears to diminish, whereas this age-related effect was not observed for other forms of maltreatment. No significant moderating effects were observed for maltreatment type, measurement tools, study design, gender, sample type (college vs. non-college), or publication type.

Discussion and conclusions: The findings highlight the family environment's key role in PSU. Children who experience maltreatment require special attention to their smartphone usage, along with targeted interventions to address both the harms of maltreatment and excessive smartphone use.