Predisposing factors of internet addiction and digital game addiction in adolescents: a predictive correlational study
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, vol.185, no.10, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 185 Issue: 10
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00431-026-07397-1
- Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Gazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate adolescents' addictive behaviours, including Internet and digital gaming, and to identify predisposing factors for these problems. A predictive correlational study was adopted. The study involved 1824 students (aged 14-17 years) from three high schools in a city of T & uuml;rkiye. The data were obtained using the Digital Game Addiction Scale and the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form. Linear regression analyses were used to analyse the data. Academic achievement, relationships with family and friends, online gaming, daily digital media use and addiction to digital games were associated with Internet addiction. On the other hand, academic level, sex, academic achievement, following social media, time spent playing online games daily and addiction to the Internet were associated with digital game addiction.Conclusion: The study concluded that adolescents' individual and internet- and gaming-related characteristics were associated with Internet addiction and online gaming addiction behaviours.