The Relationship Between Problematic Video Gaming, Problematic Facebook Use, and Self-Control Dimensions Among Female and Male Gamers

Abstract

The development of new technology has contributed to changes in everyday functioning. However, one possible negative aspect of new technologies is their problematic, uncontrolled use. Dysfunctional self-control is a critical aspect of problematic behavior. Consequently, the present research investigated the relationship between problematic video gaming (PVG), problematic Facebook use (PFU), and self-control dimensions among female and male gamers. The study comprised 830 videogame players (350 female gamers) aged from 15 to 31 years. PFU was assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and PVG was assessed using the Problem Video Game Playing Questionnaire. Self-control dimensions were assessed using the 50-item Nowy Arkusz Samowiedzy (Self-Knowledge New Sheet; NAS-50). Findings showed that lower goal maintenance was associated with higher PFU, whereas lower initiative and persistence was associated with higher PVG among both groups. Additionally, there was a negative association between inhibition and adjournment and problematic behaviors among male gamers. In contrast, PFU was associated inhibition and adjournment among female gamers. The findings demonstrate the difference between both genders in the relationship between PVG and self-control. These findings enable a better understanding of the relationship between problematic behaviors and self-control among gamers and the differences between female and male gamers.

The Relationship Between Facebook Intrusion and Self-Control Dimensions Among Facebook Users

“…The Hypothesis (H2) that low levels of inhibition and adjournment may be related to FI was supported. This result was in line with the results of previous studies (Cudo, Misiuro, et al, 2020) that included the gamers group. A deficit in this self-control dimension is associated with a problem with suppressing or delaying unwanted or improper actions.…”

“…In this context, it should be noted that a number of studies have focused on the relationship between FI and personality, self-esteem, mental health, life satisfaction, social anxiety, emotional intelligence, friendship, and loneliness (Andreassen et al, 2016; Atroszko et al, 2018; Błachnio et al, 2018; Błachnio & Przepiórka, 2018; Brailovskaia & Margraf, 2017). However, there have been fewer studies into the relationship between FI and self-control, although self-control is an essential predictor of FI (Błachnio & Przepiórka, 2016; Cudo, Misiuro, et al, 2020; Cudo, Torój, et al, 2020; Turel & Qahri-Saremi, 2016). Additionally, self-control is an important predictor of life success and health (Tangney et al, 2004).…”

“…Consequently, it is important to understand the relationship between FI and the various dimensions of self-control. In this context, a few FI studies (Cudo, Misiuro, et al, 2020; Cudo, Torój, et al, 2020) have pointed out that self-control is a multidimensional variable. Cudo, Torój, et al (2020) replicated a study conducted by Błachnio and Przepiórka (2016) that included the division of self-control into an impulsivity dimension and a restraint dimension (see Carver, 2005; Lindner et al, 2015; Maloney et al, 2012).…”

“…However, they found no relationship between FI and the restraint dimension of self-control, which is characterized as a tendency to be deliberative or disciplined and to engage in effortful control (Carver, 2005). For video-gamers, Cudo, Misiuro, et al (2020) reported that FI was negatively associated with self-control dimensions such as inhibition and adjournment and goal maintenance. However, Dredge and Chen (2020) showed differences between gamers and nongamers in relation to their social media use.…”

“…As mentioned previously, past research on self-control and FI has often considered self-control as a one-dimensional phenomenon or analyzed only individual aspects of self-control (Andreassen, 2015;Gerson et al, 2016;Przepiórka & Blachnio, 2016;Wu et al, 2013). Few studies (Cudo, Misiuro, et al, 2020; focus on the relationship between FI and self-control; moreover the research by Cudo, Misiuro, et al (2020) concerns only a group of gamers. Consequently, our research aimed to make a comprehensive examination of which dimensions of self-control are related to FI among a group of nongamers.…”