The role of inhibitory control and decision-making in the course of Internet gaming disorder

Abstract

Background and aimsInternet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with impaired inhibitory control and more impulsive decision-making. However, it remains unclear whether these associations are cross-sectional or predictive. We aimed to test the hypotheses that lower inhibitory control and more impulsive decision-making correlate with, are predicted by and predict more time spent on gaming and higher IGD severity.MethodsA stratified convenience sample of 70 male participants (18–21 years) was recruited to achieve broad data variability for hours spent on gaming and IGD severity. In three annual assessments (T1, T2, T3), we measured gaming behaviour and IGD severity using the Video Game Dependency Scale (CSAS-II). Both gaming-related measures were correlates (T1), predictors (T2), or outcomes (T3) of inhibitory control and decision making, which were assessed at T2 using a go/no-go task and an intertemporal-choice task, respectively.ResultsHigher IGD severity at T1 predicted more impulsive decision-making at T2 (β = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.14–0.76). Lower inhibitory control at T2 predicted more hours spent on gaming at T3 (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.25 to −0.02). We found weak or no evidence for the other associations.Discussion and conclusionsLower inhibitory control predicts more time spent gaming, possibly due to insufficient top-down regulation of the behaviour. Impulsive decision-making is rather a consequence of IGD than a predictor, which may be due to altered reward learning. One-dimensional etiological assumptions about the relationship between neurocognitive impairments and IGD seem not to be appropriate for the complexity of the disorder.

Is the I-PACE (Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution) model valid in South Korea? The effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on internet gaming disorder and the mediating effect of stress on adolescents

“…The updated I-PACE model (2019) indicates that stress determines certain behaviors and that decisions to engage in these behaviors are related to the impulsive/active system ( Brand et al, 2019 ; Kahneman, 2003 ; Schiebener & Brand, 2015 ; Strack & Deutsch, 2004 ) Levels of inattention and hyperactivity problems affect IGD symptoms ( Jeong et al, 2020 ). Lower inhibitory control affects IGD scores after one year ( Kräplin et al, 2021 ). The level of general inhibitory control and executive function moderates the relationship between affective and cognitive responses to external or internal triggers and specific addictive behavioral decisions ( Brand et al, 2019 ).…”

Effect of Alexithymia on Internet Addiction Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Metacognition Beliefs

“…A longitudinal study found that lower inhibitory control could predict an increase in Internet gaming time after a year ( Kräplin et al, 2021 ). Therefore, individuals fail to intentionally control their own thoughts and behaviors, including Internet behavior.…”

Slow-Wave EEG Activity Correlates with Impaired Inhibitory Control in Internet Addiction Disorder

“…Converging evidence suggests that internet addiction can manifest from deficits in inhibitory control [ 23 , 57 ]. Our study supports this view.…”

“…Previous research results showed a diminished efficiency of response-inhibition processes in the IAD group relative to controls [ 2 ]. Lower inhibitory control predicts elevated gaming time in internet gaming disorder (IGD) cases [ 23 ]. Specific internet addictions (“IGD” and “social network addiction”) also present a lower inhibitory control [ 24 ].…”