Internet gaming, emotional intelligence, psychological distress, and academic performance among university students

Abstract

This research aimed at determining the relationship of internet gaming with emotional intelligence, psychological distress, and academic performance among university students; it also investigated whether playing timings could influence psychological distress and emotional intelligence. A sample comprising 315 university students (boys = 161, girls = 154) was collected. Internet Gaming Disorder Test (Pontes, Kiraly, Demetrovics, & Griffiths, 2014), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (Wong & Law, 2002) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were used. Academic performance was measured through grades obtained during last two semesters. Results revealed internet gaming had significant positive relationship with psychological distress, whereas it was linked to emotional intelligence and academic performance negatively. Students who played more after mid-night were psychologically more distressed than those who played during morning, evening, or early night time. Outcomes of this research will be beneficial in developing effective awareness programs for the individuals who are highly involved in internet gaming to understand its negative consequences.