Self-Esteem, Family Functioning and Internet Gaming Disorder among In-School Adolescents

Abstract

Internet gaming comes with possibilities of adverse effects on individuals if not controlled. This study aims to observe the predictive influence of self-esteem and family functioning on internet gaming disorder among Nigerian in-school adolescents. Using a multistaged sampling to select 468 participants who responded to the Hare Self-Esteem Scale, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-Sf) and Index of Family Relations Scale. A high prevalence (20.5%) of at-risk of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) was reported. Self-esteem did not significantly predict internet gaming disorder; family functioning had a negative significant prediction of internet gaming disorder. Also, gender significantly influenced IGD [t (468) = 4.50, p <.01] with males reporting higher mean scores than female students, Again family structure had no significant influence on the other hand time spent gaming had a significant influence on internet gaming disorder. Authors conclude that there is a high prevalence of IGD among in-school adolescents and that family functioning and gender are significant predictors of IGD while self-esteem is not. Avenue to assess for IGD should be provided in Secondary school and psychological interventions are recommended for students who report being at risk of IGD.