Factor structure of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale: an Exploratory Graph Analysis approach in Spanish university...

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has emerged as a growing concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This concern has prompted the development of standardized tools for IGD assessment, such as the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS). IGDS is based on the DSM-V diagnostic criteria, and has been mainly used as a unidimensional measure of IGD.

This study aimed to translate and validate the Spanish version of the IGDS in a sample of university students (N = 274, M_age= 21.64 years, SD_age = 2.93, % male = 59.7%).

Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted, and internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed.

EGA identified a bidimensional structure comprising (1) cognitive-emotional symptoms and (2) relational-problem outcomes, which was confirmed through CFA. Both dimensions demonstrated excellent reliability and adequate convergent validity.

The Spanish IGDS is a psychometrically valid instrument for assessing IGD, allowing for an accurate distinction between gaming intensity and functional impairment. These findings challenge the traditional unidimensional perspective and support a biaxial conceptualization of IGD.