Screen Sense

ARTICLE
Back to Articles
December 1, 2015
Science

Problematic digital gaming behavior and its relation to the psychological, social and physical health of Finnish adolescents and young adults

T

he aim of this study was to identify problematic gaming behavior among Finnish adolescents and young adults, and evaluate its connection to a variety of psychological, social, and physical health symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 293 respondents aged from 13 to 24 years. Participants completed an online survey. Problematic gaming behavior was measured with the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). Self-reports covered health measures such as psychological health (psychopathological symptoms, satisfaction with life), social health (preferences for social interaction), and physical health (general health, Body Mass Index [BMI], body discomfort, physical activity).

Results

Problematic gaming behavior was found to relate to psychological and health problems, namely fatigue, sleep interference, depression and anxiety symptoms. Multiple linear regression indicated that the amount of weekly gaming, depression and a preference for online social interaction predicted increased problematic gaming symptoms.

Conclusions

This research emphasized that problematic gaming behavior had a strong negative correlation to a variety of subjective health outcomes.

‍

Download the PDF article on AKJournals.

You might Also Like

Science

Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiology of internet addiction

The field of internet addiction has experienced significant debates on conflicting epidemiology. This meta-analysis investigated the prevalence rates of generalized internet addiction (GIA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Read More
Watch

Australian clinic tackles screen addiction as social media ban looms

The suffering of people who are addicted to gaming and social media, the struggle of their families, and the need for screening, prevention, early intervention, and treatment are highlighted in this interview with Dr Daniela Vecchio on Reuters.

Read More
News

Australia passes landmark social media ban for under-16s

Australia has passed landmark rules to ban under-16s from social media, approving one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on popular sites like Facebook, Instagram and X.

Read More
We value your opinion

Feedback Survey

We greatly appreciate your feedback on this website and would like to know what information you found useful and what services you would like to see next. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know.

survey
About us

Screen Sense helps people who are seeking information and support with managing screen time.

Navigation
HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyQuizNewsReadWatchScienceAboutContact
Contacts
Based in New Zealand
hello@screensense.net
+64 27 707 1467
message us
Send Message
Copyright Screen Sense 2025
Powered by Rapid Evolution
HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyQuizNewsReadWatchScienceAboutContact
CONTACT

Screen Sense

Digital guidance and Support
ContactAboutQuizCoachingArticlesTypesHome
Close
HomeDigital HabitsDigital SafetyQuizNewsReadWatchScienceAboutContact