The relationship of internet gaming disorder with alexitimia and social anxiety

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between Internet Gaming Disorder (IOD) and alexithymia and social anxiety, which have been studied in other addictions before. Method: Among the students and research assistants of MCBÜ health campus, 40 patients with internet gaming addiction who met the diagnostic criteria of IOOB recommended in DSM-5 formed the research group. The control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers from the same population. Sociodemographic and Clinical Information Form, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale were applied to both groups. The obtained data were transferred to the computer environment and statistical analyzes were made. Results: A positive correlation was found between those with Internet gaming disorder and alexithymia (p:0.002). A significant difference was found between the groups in their relations with social anxiety (p:0.002). Again, when the relationship between social anxiety avoidance and anxiety subdimensions was examined, a positive relationship was found with those with internet gaming disorder (p:0.009, p:0.001). When the relationship between alexithymia and social anxiety level and its sub-dimensions was examined, a positive relationship was found (p:0.001). Conclusion: When the findings of our study were evaluated, it was seen that the rate of alexithymia and the level of social anxiety were higher in those with internet gaming disorder. In addition, it was determined that those with internet gaming disorder had higher scores in social anxiety avoidance and anxiety sub-dimensions. When the level and subdimensions of alexithymia and social anxiety were evaluated, it was concluded that there was a positive relationship between them. These findings need to be replicated in a larger sample. Keywords: Gaming disorder, digital game addiction, alexithymia, social anxiety