The present study aimed to investigate predictors of online gaming addiction in adolescents. To explore the gender differences across the study variables was another objective of the present study. It was hypothesized that poor family functioning and lack of interpersonal support would lead to online gaming addiction in adolescents. Further, the study investigated poor family functioning and perceived lack of interpersonal support as predictors of online gaming addiction in adolescents. For this purpose, a correlational study with a cross-sectional research design was used. The sample was collected from 115 participants (age= M= 17.10, SD= 1.66), boys (f=69, 60%), girls (f=46, 40%), using nonprobability, purposive and convenient sampling technique. The measures used in the study were Game Addiction Scale (Lemmens et al., 2009), Family APGAR Questionnaire (Smilkstein, 1978) and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (Cohen et al., 1985). Results of the study showed that family functioning (r= -.25**, p< 0.01) and interpersonal support (r= -.09*, p< 0.05) were negatively related to online gaming. Moreover, poor family functioning and lack of perceived social support predicted online gaming addiction in adolescents. Conversely, no gender differences across study variables were revealed for present sample.

The main objective of the present research was to study psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and its relationship with emotional regulation in patients with substance-related disorders. Emotional regulation and psychological distress are directly linked as psychological distress takes place when an individual has difficulties with regulating their emotions. It was a correlational study that followed a cross-sectional research design. G power analysis with a medium effect size suggested a 153-sample size. A sample of 155 men in the age range of 18 to 55(M=30.39, SD=7.97) was drawn from government hospitals admitted for the treatment of the substance-related disorders through purposive sampling. Demographic information sheet, Drug History Performa, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-42 (DASS 42), and Emotional Regulation scale were used to collect data. Descriptive analysis, for demographic and social variables, depicted most of the participants belonged to a lower socioeconomic class. The mean duration of drug addiction was 12 years (SD =2.45). Most of the participants were multiple drug abusers. Peer pressure, failure in love affairs, and stress were reasons for drug addiction while reasons for relapse were peer pressure along with withdrawal symptoms and cessation of treatment. Descriptive analysis revealed that expressive-suppression emotional regulation strategies were common in study participants. Pearson product-moment correlational analysis demonstrates a significant positive relationship between psychological distress and expressive-suppression emotional regulation.  In the present population, both social (peer pressure and bad company of friends) and psychological (stress, loneliness, curiosity and  failure in love affair) factors are proven related to drug addiction problems. It is important to consider them for assessment as well as therapeutic intervention plans for patients with substance-related disorders.

With the outbreak of a global pandemic, people were faced with many difficulties such as financial and health issues, including psychological problems. There was a sharp rise in mental health issues as people were advised to observe social distancing resulting in social isolation. The present study examined three measures of psychological distress among the undergraduate student population: depression, anxiety, and stress. It also sought to study differences in academic years and gender on measures of psychological distress. A convenient and snowball sample of 1032 undergraduate students, aged between 17 and 25 years (M=21.81, SD = 1.99), filled out a survey. DASS – 21 was used to collect data on depression, anxiety, and stress among students. Descriptive statistics showed mild to normal levels of stress (M = 9.64), anxiety (M = 8.17) and depression (M = 9.05). Independent t-tests revealed significantly higher levels of psychological distress among women compared to men. Further, a one-way ANOVA and post hoc analyses showed that only juniors had significantly higher levels of stress compared to freshmen. Factors such as social support and religion have been discussed as possible explanations for lower levels of psychological distress in the overall student population. This research highlights resilience among students and future research should focus on investigating the factors which can help in dealing with difficult situations.