Early Maladaptive Schemas and Gaming and Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are implicated in various psychological issues.
• The relationship between EMS, gaming disorder (GD), and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms requires further investigation.
• Previous research has not fully explored the interplay between AUD and GD symptoms concerning EMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between EMS, GD symptoms, and AUD symptoms.
• To address the research gap concerning the combined influence of EMS on both AUD and GD.
• To understand the distinct psychological pathways linking EMS to these addictive behaviors.

Main Methods:

• 1054 participants who consumed alcohol and played video games in the past 12 months were recruited.
• Participants completed the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), and Problem Drinking Scale (PDS).
• Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) analysis was employed to model relationships, controlling for demographic and behavioral variables.

Main Results:

• AUD symptoms showed positive associations with schemas like dependence/incompetence and vulnerability, and negative associations with social isolation and insufficient self-control.
• GD symptoms were positively related to enmeshment and subjugation schemas, and negatively to unrelenting standards and pessimism.
• Significant differences in schema associations between GD and AUD symptoms indicate distinct underlying psychological mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• EMS play differential roles in the development of AUD and GD symptoms.
• Schema-based interventions may be crucial for addressing addictive behaviors.
• Further research is recommended to explore the mediating role of parenting styles in AUD and GD development.