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Published on: November 9, 2019
[Computer game addiction: a psychopathological symptom complex in adolescence]
Klaus Wölfling1, Ralf Thalemann, Sabine M Grüsser-Sinopoli
1Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. woelfling@uni-mainz.de
Psychiatrische Praxis
|November 21, 2007
Summary
This study investigated excessive computer gaming in German adolescents, finding 6.3% met criteria for behavioral addiction. These adolescents often use gaming for mood management and show limited cognitive flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Addiction
- Adolescent Psychology
Context:
- Increasing reports of excessive computer gaming among adolescents.
- Lack of standardized diagnostic criteria for this behavior.
- Need to understand prevalence and consequences in German youth.
Purpose:
- Assess excessive computer gaming as an addictive disorder in German adolescents.
- Identify potential negative consequences associated with this behavior.
- Explore underlying cognitive mechanisms and mood management strategies.
Summary:
- 6.3% of 221 German pupils met diagnostic criteria for behavioral addiction to computer gaming.
- Affected adolescents, predominantly boys from lower educational backgrounds, displayed limited cognitive flexibility.
- Computer gaming was utilized as a mood management strategy by clinically diagnosed individuals.
Impact:
- Provides initial data for estimating the prevalence of psychopathological computer gaming in German adolescents.
- Highlights the role of cognitive flexibility and mood regulation in gaming addiction.
- Informs psychiatric practice regarding the diagnosis and management of excessive computer gaming.
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