The frustration intolerance of internet gaming disorder and its association with severity and depression

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the belief of frustration intolerance of individuals with internet gaming disorder (IGD) and its association with depression among them. We recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 controls (69 regular gamers and other non-gamers). IGD is diagnosed based on DSM-5 (DSM stands for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) criteria through psychiatric interviews. They had completed the questionnaire for the belief of frustration intolerance, depression, and severity of IGD. The participant with IGD had a higher score on the frustration discomfort scale and its subscales, discomfort intolerance, entitlement, emotional intolerance, and achievement. Further regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between entitlement and IGD in control of depression. The frustration intolerance is also associated with depression and the severity of IGD among the IGD group. The discomfort intolerance and achievement were the most associated factors of depression. Frustration intolerance is a crucial irrational belief of IGD. It contributes to the severity of IGD and depression among individuals with IGD. The frustration intolerance, particularly for discomfort intolerance, entitlement, and achievement, should be assessed and intervened while treating individuals with IGD.

Keywords: depression; entitlement; frustration intolerance; internet gaming disorder; rational emotive behavior therapy.