Prevalence of internet gaming disorder in adolescents

A meta‐analysis across three decades

Bibliographic Data

ID23344909
AuthorsJia Yuin Fam (0000-0002-5168-9333, Sunway University Business School Sunway University Selangor Malaysia, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume59
Issue5
Pages524-531
Publication date2018-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.12459
PMID30004118
OpenAlexW2883152484
LanguageEN
Citations received118
References cited53

The inclusion of “Internet gaming disorder ( IGD )” in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders ( DSM ‐5) creates a possible line of research. Despite the fact that adolescents are vulnerable to IGD , studies had reported wide array of prevalence estimates in this population. The aim of this paper is to review the published studies on prevalence of IGD among adolescents. Relevant studies prior to March 2017 were identified through databases. A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of IGD among adolescents was 4.6% (95% CI = 3.4%–6.0%). Male adolescents generally reported higher prevalence rate (6.8%, 95% CI = 4.3%–9.7%) than female adolescents (1.3%, 95% CI = 0.6%–2.2%). Subgroup analyses revealed that prevalence estimates were highest when studies were conducted in: (i) 1990s; (ii) use DSM criteria for pathological gambling; (iii) examine gaming disorder; (iv) Asia; and (v) small samples ( IGD among adolescents, especially among males. Given the methodological deficits in past decades (such as reliance on DSM criteria for “pathological gambling,” inclusion of the word “Internet,” and small sample sizes), it is critical for researchers to apply a common methodology for assess this disorder.

Addiction · DSM-5 · Environmental health · Gambling disorder · Inclusion (mineral) · Meta-analysis · Population · Psychiatry · Child Development and Digital Technology · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology