Examination the relationship of internet game addiction with attachment styles, metacognitions and childhood negative experiences

The Digital Age has led to significant changes in the entertainment and leisure activities of individuals. Digital games are among the activities preferred in the virtual environment. With the development of digital games, internet game addiction has started to increase. Examining the prevalence in the age groups who spend the most of their time in the virtual environment, factors that may be related and whether there is game addiction is expected to contribute to preventive studies that can be developed in today's conditions. In this study, the relationship between internet gaming addiction, attachment styles, negative childhood experiences, cognitive attention and metacognitive functions in emerging adults was investigated. Within the scope of the research, Personal Information Form, Internet Game Addiction Scale, Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACE), Cognitive Attention Syndrome Scale (CAS) and Metacognition Scale (MCQ-30) were applied to 347 participants. Internet gaming addiction, adverse childhood experiences, cognitive attention syndrome and metacognitive functions were compared according to the gender. In addition, the predictive relationship of internet gaming addiction with adverse childhood experiences, cognitive attention syndrome and metacognitive functions was investigated. In line with the findings obtained in the research, 2.6% of the participants have internet gaming addiction. Based on the findings obtained in the study, males' game addiction scores were found to be significantly higher than females' scores. On the other hand, it was found that the mean scores of avoidant attachment, adverse childhood experiences, cognitive attention syndrome and problems in metacognitive functions were significantly higher in women than in men. According to the correlation findings, internet game addiction scores were positively correlated with anxious attachment in all participants. However, when the relationship between the variables according to gender was examined, a positive and significant relationship was found among the internet game addiction scores of women, anxious attachment, adverse childhood experiences, cognitive attention syndrome, and metacognition. In males, only anxious attachment and internet game addiction were found to be positively and significantly correlated. When the predictors of internet gaming addiction were examined, it was found that the predictors of internet gaming addiction in all participants were adverse childhood experiences and anxious attachment, and the model was explanatory by 20%. In females, it was found that the predictor of internet gaming addiction was only anxious attachment and it was predicted by 18%. When internet game addiction in women is analyzed according to game type, attachment style, adverse childhood experiences, cognitive attention syndrome level and metacognition level, internet game addiction scores of women with anxious attachment style who prefer online games were found to be significantly higher. According to the research findings, although it was known that the preference of internet games was more common in men before, it is understood that it increased in favor of women in this study. On the other hand, it can be considered that further studies on female gamers can be conducted and the results can be compared, as women's internet gaming behavior is associated with more psychological factors compared to men.