Problematic Gaming and Self-Control Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Problematic gaming is becoming increasingly prevalent among young people, often leading to negative developmental consequences. As an essential protective factor against problematic gaming, self-control is the capacity to manage emotions, thoughts, and actions when confronted with temptations and impulses. Previous studies have reported mixed findings regarding the association between problematic gaming and self-control. The current systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the existing literature on this relationship among adolescents and emerging adults. A systematic search from eight electronic databases (PsycArticles, PsycINFO, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I, and China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database) and two additional sources (Google Scholar and reference lists) identified 957 published studies. Of these, 46 articles involving 64,681 participants were included in the review, and 40 provided sample size and Pearson’s r for the meta-analysis. The narrative review findings indicated that problematic gaming was negatively correlated with self-control with only two studies suggesting an insignificant relationship. The meta-analytic findings, conducted using a random-effects model in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 4.0, revealed a medium effect (r = −0.287, 95% CI = [−0.33, −0.25], p < 0.001), with high heterogeneity (I² = 96.5%). Publication bias analysis showed a symmetric funnel plot and a nonsignificant Egger’s test (p = 0.861), indicating no evidence of publication bias. No significant subgroup difference was found between adolescents and emerging adults. The results reveal that self-control is a critical factor in preventing and intervening problematic gaming. Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); CRD42023451656; registered on 25 September, 2023.