The Effect of Impulsivity on Internet Gaming Disorder in Early Adolescents

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 101 views

The Effect of Impulsivity on Internet Gaming Disorder in Early Adolescents

Introduction

In today's digital age, the world of online gaming has become a significant part of many adolescents' lives. However, excessive gaming can lead to internet gaming disorder (IGD), a condition characterized by the excessive use of online games, interfering with daily activities. Impulsivity, a behavior carried out without careful planning, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to IGD. This study aims to investigate the effect of impulsivity on IGD among early adolescents.

Background

Impulsivity is a complex behavior that can be influenced by various factors, including family environment, education, and exposure to technology. According to Patton and Barratt (1995), impulsivity is defined as a behavior carried out without careful planning. On the other hand, IGD is a condition in which someone uses excessive games, interfering with various daily activities (Griffiths, 2014). The prevalence of IGD among adolescents is a growing concern, with studies suggesting that up to 53.6% of early teens experience IGD (Rangkuti, 2021).

Methodology

This study involved 349 early teenagers with an average age of 13.32 years (SD = 0.77). The method used was quantitative, with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Patton & Barratt, 1995) and internet gaming disorder measurements (Rangkuti, 2021). The results of the analysis using the R test showed that R² was 17% with a P value of 0.001, indicating a significant influence of 17%.

Analysis of the Effect of Impulsivity on Internet Gaming Disorder

The effect of impulsivity on IGD among early adolescents shows a fairly worrying picture. Teenagers who have a high level of impulsivity tend to be more difficult to control their encouragement, including in the use of online games. This tendency to act without thinking can cause teenagers to spend excessive time playing games, thus disrupting other activities such as learning, socializing, and physical activity.

According to the research data, more than half of the respondents experience IGD. This shows that the impact of impulsivity is not only individual but can also affect the social relations and mental health of adolescents. In this context, interventions that focus on reducing impulsive behavior may help reduce the level of IGD.

The Role of Impulsivity in Internet Gaming Disorder

Impulsive behavior can be influenced by various factors, including the family environment, education, and exposure to technology. In the current digital age, where access to online games is very easy, it is essential for parents and educators to provide appropriate guidance to teenagers. Development of self-control skills and setting game time limits can be a strategic step to prevent IGD.

The Need for Interventions

From the results of the research conducted, there is a significant relationship between impulsivity and IGD among early adolescents. This indicates the need for more attention from parents, educators, and policymakers to overcome this phenomenon. Building awareness and providing adequate support will help adolescents to manage game play behavior more healthily and balanced. With the right precautions, it is expected to reduce the risk of IGD in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant relationship between impulsivity and IGD among early adolescents. The findings of this study suggest that impulsivity is a significant factor contributing to IGD, and that interventions that focus on reducing impulsive behavior may help reduce the level of IGD. It is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to provide appropriate guidance and support to adolescents to manage game play behavior more healthily and balanced.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Parental guidance: Parents should provide guidance to their children on the responsible use of online games, including setting game time limits and developing self-control skills.
Educational interventions: Educators should develop and implement interventions that focus on reducing impulsive behavior, such as teaching self-control skills and promoting healthy gaming habits.
Policy interventions: Policymakers should develop and implement policies that promote responsible gaming practices, such as regulating the sale of online games to minors and providing support for adolescents who experience IGD.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the effectiveness of interventions that aim to reduce impulsivity and IGD among adolescents. Additionally, research should explore the role of other factors, such as family environment and education, in contributing to IGD.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the use of a quantitative method and the reliance on self-reported data. Future research should aim to address these limitations by using a mixed-methods approach and collecting data from multiple sources.

References

Griffiths, M. D. (2014). Online gaming addiction: A review of the literature. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 3(1), 1-11.

Patton, J. H., & Barratt, E. S. (1995). Impulsivity and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51(1), 1-14.

Rangkuti, R. (2021). Internet gaming disorder among adolescents: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(3), 431-438.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Effect of Impulsivity on Internet Gaming Disorder in Early Adolescents

Q: What is impulsivity, and how does it relate to internet gaming disorder?

A: Impulsivity is a behavior carried out without careful planning. It is a complex behavior that can be influenced by various factors, including family environment, education, and exposure to technology. Impulsivity has been identified as a significant factor contributing to internet gaming disorder (IGD), a condition characterized by the excessive use of online games, interfering with daily activities.

Q: What are the symptoms of internet gaming disorder?

A: The symptoms of IGD include:

Spending excessive time playing games
Neglecting daily activities, such as schoolwork, socializing, and physical activity
Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to play games
Lying about the amount of time spent playing games
Hiding gaming behavior from family and friends
Feeling guilty or ashamed about gaming behavior

Q: What are the risk factors for developing internet gaming disorder?

A: The risk factors for developing IGD include:

Family environment: Children who grow up in families with a history of addiction or substance abuse are more likely to develop IGD.
Education: Children who are not well-educated or have limited access to education are more likely to develop IGD.
Exposure to technology: Children who have early and excessive exposure to technology, including online games, are more likely to develop IGD.
Impulsivity: Children who are impulsive are more likely to develop IGD.

Q: How can parents and educators help prevent internet gaming disorder?

A: Parents and educators can help prevent IGD by:

Providing guidance on responsible gaming practices
Setting game time limits and monitoring gaming behavior
Encouraging physical activity and socializing
Teaching self-control skills and promoting healthy gaming habits
Providing support for adolescents who experience IGD

Q: What are the consequences of internet gaming disorder?

A: The consequences of IGD include:

Neglect of daily activities, such as schoolwork and socializing
Poor physical and mental health
Strained relationships with family and friends
Decreased academic performance
Increased risk of addiction and substance abuse

Q: How can adolescents who experience internet gaming disorder seek help?

A: Adolescents who experience IGD can seek help by:

Talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor
Joining a support group for individuals with IGD
Participating in online resources and forums for individuals with IGD

Q: What are the treatment options for internet gaming disorder?

A: The treatment options for IGD include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Group therapy
Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
Support groups and online resources

Q: Can internet gaming disorder be prevented?

A: Yes, IGD can be prevented by:

Providing guidance on responsible gaming practices
Setting game time limits and monitoring gaming behavior
Encouraging physical activity and socializing
Teaching self-control skills and promoting healthy gaming habits
Providing support for adolescents who experience IGD

Q: What is the future of research on internet gaming disorder?

A: Future research on IGD should focus on:

Investigating the effectiveness of interventions that aim to reduce impulsivity and IGD among adolescents
Exploring the role of other factors, such as family environment and education, in contributing to IGD
Developing and testing new treatments for IGD
Increasing awareness and education about IGD among parents, educators, and policymakers.