How symptoms of Internet gaming disorder may link loneliness and aggression in Malaysian students and workers

A study of 410 participants indicates that loneliness is associated with increased symptoms of Internet gaming disorder and higher levels of aggression.

• Loneliness positively predicts four components of aggression: anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression.
• Symptoms of Internet gaming disorder are also positively predicted by loneliness.
• The relationship between loneliness and aggression is partially mediated by symptoms of Internet gaming disorder.
• Failure to consider this mediating effect could lead to misleading conclusions about aggression management interventions.

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