Impulsivity, self-regulation, and pathological video gaming among youth: Testing a mediation model

Albert K. Liau, Eng Chuan Neo, Douglas A. Gentile, Hyekyung Choo, Boon Wee Timothy Sim, Dongdong Li, Angeline Khoo

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Given the potential negative mental health consequences of pathological video gaming, understanding its etiology may lead to useful treatment developments. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of impulsive and regulatory processes on pathological video gaming. Study 1 involved 2154 students from 6 primary and 4 secondary schools in Singapore. Study 2 involved 191 students from 2 secondary schools. The results of study 1 and study 2 supported the hypothesis that self-regulation is a mediator between impulsivity and pathological video gaming. Specifically, higher levels of impulsivity was related to lower levels of self-regulation, which in turn was related to higher levels of pathological video gaming. The use of impulsivity and self-regulation in predicting pathological video gaming supports the dual-system model of incorporating both impulsive and reflective systems in the prediction of self-control outcomes. The study highlights the development of self-regulatory resources as a possible avenue for future prevention and treatment research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)NP2188-NP2196
JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • adolescent health
  • child health
  • population health
  • psychological/behavioral medicine
  • smoking/tobacco/drug abuse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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