Investigating the Relationship Between Video Games and Internet Gaming Disorder Among College Students

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Li-Jin Wang and colleagues at Bengbu Medical University has shed light on the correlation between daily video game exposure and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among college students. The study aimed to analyze the mediating role of depression and gender in this relationship, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IGD in this demographic. Using a cluster random sampling method, 1527 college students were surveyed, and the results indicate that depression plays a mediating role between daily video game exposure and IGD. Furthermore, the study found that male students who exhibit prolonged gaming behavior and depressive mood are at a higher risk of developing IGD and require targeted intervention.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involves a cluster random sampling of 1527 college students to investigate the relationship between daily video game exposure and IGD.
  • The research utilizes the Demographic questionnaire, Internet Gaming Disorder Test-20 (IGD-20), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to analyze video games and depression among college students.
  • Depression was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between daily video game exposure and IGD.
  • The study identifies that male university students exhibit a higher risk of developing IGD due to prolonged gaming behavior and depressive mood.
  • Targeted strategies to enhance emotional regulation skills, particularly for male students, may serve as a pivotal preventive measure against IGD among college populations.

Statistics:

  • 1527 college students were selected to join the study through cluster random sampling.
  • 13 (1):1-11 is the article number and page range for the study published in BMC Psychology.
  • 1 is the DOIs number for the journal article.
  • 10.1186/s40359-025-03328-1 is the journal article DOIs link.

Sources:

Li-Jin Wang, School of Mental Health, Bengbu Medical university;

BMC Psychology (http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpsychol);

BMC Psychology - doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03328-1;

Wang LJ, Mu LL, Li XY, Song PP, Pan ZZ, Gao YX, Duan F, Li HN, Du WB, Song X, Chen JX, Wang Y, Zhong N, Zhang XC, Jiao DL. Mediating role of depression and gender in the relationship between daily video games exposure and internet gaming disorder (IGD) among college students. BMC Psychology, 2025,13(1):1-11; NewsRx. New Psychology Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Bengbu Medical University [Mediating role of depression and gender in the relationship between daily video games exposure and internet gaming disorder (IGD) among college ...]. Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. September 20, 2025; p 162.