The role of motivation, cognition and metacognition in internetgaming disorder

With the advancement and spread of technology, video games are becoming a form of activity that is popular around the world. With this spread, some people who play video games lose control over their gaming behavior and, with time, they experience problems such as internet gaming disorder (IGD). Current research aimed to determine the risk factors associated with IGD. The sample of the study consists of 425 participants between the ages of 18 and 29 who played online games. "Demographic Information Form", "Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21", "Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form", "Internet Gaming Cognition Scale, Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire" and "Metacognitions About Online Gaming Scale" were administered to the participants. The data of the study were evaluated with four analyses. First, correlation analysis was carried out for the relationships among the main variables of the study. In accordance with the hypotheses of the study, Independent Samples t-test and Hierarchical Regression Analysis were performed. In order to test the created mediator variable model, Structural Equation Model was used. As a result of the conducted analyses, it was observed that individuals who spend money on gaming have significantly higher levels of IGD than individuals who do not spend money. Additionally, when negative mood symptoms were controlled, escape/coping, competition, skill development and fantasy motivations were found to positively predict the level of IGD. The results of the mediation analysis show that the relationship between negative mood symptoms and IGD level is significantly mediated by dysfunctional cognitions about gaming as well as positive and negative metacognitions about gaming. The study findings were interpreted as having negative mood symptoms increased the level of individuals' maladaptive cognitions about internet games, increased the level of positive and negative metacognitions they had about online games, and as a result, led to an increase in the level of IGD. In conclusion, more studies are needed in the literature on internet gaming disorder and related risk factors in order to take precautions against negative consequences and provide the necessary treatments in a rapidly developing industry.