Mediating role of depression and gender in the relationship between daily video games exposure and internet gaming disorder (IGD) among college students

Aug 27, 2025BMC psychology

How depression and gender influence the link between daily video game use and internet gaming disorder in college students

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Abstract

A total of 1527 college students were examined to assess the relationship between daily video game exposure and (IGD).

  • Daily video game exposure, gender, and severity of depression are independent factors influencing IGD.
  • Depression may mediate the relationship between daily video game play and the risk of developing IGD.
  • Gender may moderate the effect of depression on IGD, with male students at higher risk when exhibiting prolonged gaming behavior and depressive symptoms.
  • Targeted strategies to improve emotional regulation skills could be a key preventive measure against IGD, especially for male students.

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Key numbers

0.5%
Daily Video Games Exposure Association
Percentage of students meeting criteria based on -20 scores.
10.93%
Moderate Depression Prevalence
Percentage of students scoring at moderate depression levels or above on the PHQ-9.
18.61Β±1.01
Mean Age of Participants
Mean age of the 1,527 participants in the survey.

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