Psychological reportsApr 3, 2020

Long-term factors linked to problematic internet use and gaming behavior

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 2, 2026

Abstract

A total of 985 family dyads participated in a longitudinal study examining predictors of problematic Internet use (PIU) and problematic gaming (PG).

Stronger emotional distress at time one (t1) predicted higher levels of PIU at time two (t2).
Male gender, self-esteem problems, and hyperactivity/inattention at t1 were associated with increased PG at t2.
The combination of PIU and PG (PIU + PG) at t2 was predicted by male gender and hyperactivity/inattention at t1.
Different patterns of predictors for PIU and PG suggest both shared and distinct underlying factors for these behaviors.

Simplified

Problematic gaming (PG) has been included in the DSM-5 and ICD-11. But, it is still controversially discussed, if problematic (online-) gaming is a subtype of problematic Internet use (PIU) or if both behavior patterns should be distinguished. In joint samples, the relationships between PIU and PG and correlates have so far only been investigated in cross-sectional studies. This is the first longitudinal study to determine predictors of PIU, PG, and a combined occurrence of PIU and PG (PIU + PG) together in one sample. Overall, 985 family dyads (one parent and her/his child) were interviewed twice (at t1 and t2, with one year in between) with a standardized questionnaire regarding PIU, PG and psychosocial aspects. Predictors for adolescent PIU, PG, and PIU + PG were determined with a multinomial logistic regression analysis. The following were our findings: (a) PIU (t2) was predicted by stronger emotional distress (t1) and PIU (t1); (b) PG (t2) by male gender, more self-esteem problems (t1), stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1); and (c) PIU + PG (t2) by male gender, stronger hyperactivity/inattention (t1), and PG (t1). Partly different patterns of predictors were observed for the development of PIU and PG. The results indicate not only commonalities but also differences in the etiology of these behavior patterns.

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Long-term factors linked to problematic internet use and gaming behavior

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