The role of illness representations of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in help-seeking intention among undergraduates: A longitudinal study

Xue Yang; Nani Ding; Xiaolian Tu; Chengjia Zhao; Huihui Xu; Xinyi Lai; Guohua Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107233

The role of illness representations of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in help-seeking intention among undergraduates: A longitudinal study

Addict Behav. 2022 May:128:107233. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107233. Epub 2021 Dec 29.

Authors

Xue Yang¹, Nani Ding², Xiaolian Tu³, Chengjia Zhao⁴, Huihui Xu⁴, Xinyi Lai⁴, Guohua Zhang⁵

Affiliations

¹ JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: sherryxueyang@cuhk.edu.hk.
² School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
³ Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
⁴ Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
⁵ Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. Electronic address: zghcnu@wmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 35030454
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107233

Abstract

Background and aims: The Common-Sense Model asserts that illness representations of a health threat affect coping and behavioral reactions to it. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a newly defined mental disorder and leads to various health consequences. Little is known about illness representations of IGD and help-seeking for IGD among young adults who are at particular risk of IGD.

Objective: This study investigated the roles of illness representations in intention to seek help from professionals and important others (families and friends) for IGD in college students in China.

Methods: A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted with a convenience sample of college students in China (N = 591, 57.9% females, Mean_age = 19.10). Descriptive analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Approximately 10% of participants were classified as having probable IGD. However, over 70% endorsed self-diagnosed IGD. Less than 40% perceived resources of help-seeking, and most perceived shame for help-seeking. Less than 40% intended to seek help from professionals, and 26% from family and friends. Significant predictors of intention to seek professional help included probable IGD, perceived resources of help-seeking for IGD, consequence, timeline, and treatment. Significant predictors of intention to seek help from family and friends included probable IGD, self-diagnosed IGD, perceived resources of help-seeking for IGD, shame for help-seeking for IGD, timeline, treatment control, identity, concern, and emotional response. Females were more likely to seek both types of help.

Discussion and conclusions: Perceptions of IGD and help-seeking play significant roles in help-seeking intentions. These modifiable factors can be used to guide the development of health promotion and behavioral change programs to promote help-seeking for IGD.

Keywords: Help-seeking; Illness representations; Internet gaming disorder; Longitudinal study; Youth.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Behavior, Addictive* / therapy
Female
Humans
Intention
Internet
Internet Addiction Disorder / therapy
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Students / psychology
Video Games* / psychology
Young Adult