Professional help-seeking for internet gaming disorder among young adult gamers: the application and extension of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for Internet gaming disorder (IGD), studies on professional help-seeking for individuals with IGD and associated factors remain scarce. This study applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to examine social and cognitive factors influencing professional help-seeking intentions for IGD among young adult gamers in Hong Kong. A total of 561 young adult gamers (64.9% females, Mage = 21.98) completed an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) of the TPB model showed good model fit. Subjective norms were directly and positively associated with help-seeking intention and indirectly associated with help-seeking intention through positive help-seeking attitudes. The findings support the utility of TPB in understanding help-seeking intentions for IGD and underscore the roles of subjective norms and attitudes in promoting help-seeking. These results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing help-seeking for IGD should focus on fostering supportive social norms and positive attitudes toward treatment, particularly within collectivistic cultural contexts.