Internet Gaming Disorder: A Preliminary Exploration of Cultural Orientation Profiles

Abstract Background Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) involves excessive use of Internet games to the extent that one’s everyday life is compromised. It has been suggested that IGD symptoms are dependent on a person’s cultural orientation. However, the range of potential cultural orientation effects on IGD presentations remains largely unknown. The current study aims to further understanding of the role of cultural orientation in IGD, allowing us to develop more culturally responsive and gamer centred IGD prevention and intervention strategies. Methods One thousand and thirty-two participants with internet gaming experience were measured for IGD symptom’s severity using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form (IGDS9-SF) and cultural orientation behaviours via the Individualism & Collectivism Scale (ICS). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and T-Tests were performed in relation to their responses. Results Upon inspection of the LCA output, two cultural profiles of internet gamers were identified. These included the Collectivism Aversive gamers (CA; 11%) and the Collectivism Neutral gamers (CN; 89%). The CA gamers displayed significantly higher IGD behaviours overall, and, were higher in preoccupation, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, relapse, deception, escapism/mood modification, and functional impairment compared to CN gamers. There were no differences between CA and CN gamers in loss of interest and conflicts with others. Conclusions The findings suggest that cultural orientation can influence the presentation of IGD. Specifically, those who are less collectivist or less influenced by social groups display greater IGD symptoms and present a profile that requires a different intervention from gamers who are more collectivistic. Researchers and clinicians should emphasize the value of belonging in a collective and experiencing equality with others in relation to mental health and gaming patterns.