Neuropsychological profile and social connectedness in internet gaming disorder among young adults in India

Abstract

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a behavioral addiction emerging as public health issue. Its neuropsychological underpinnings remain underexplored in the Indian context. Aim: To compare neuropsychological profiles and social connectedness among normal, at-risk, and disordered gamers aged 18–25 years. Methods: Ninety video gamers were categorized using the IGD Scale and compared on impulsivity, aggression, sensation seeking, self-esteem, social connectedness, and decision-making. Results: Disordered gamers showed significantly lower self-esteem (P = 0.01) and higher motor impulsivity (P = 0.04) and boredom susceptibility (P < 0.01). Results were non-significant for remaining variables between groups. IGD severity correlated positively with motor impulsivity (r = 0.258, P = 0.014), total impulsivity (r = 0.254, P = 0.016), and boredom susceptibility (r = 0.336, P = 0.001), and negatively with self-esteem (r = −0.361, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Young adults with IGD display heightened impulsivity, boredom proneness, and lower self-esteem, indicating the need for early, targeted psychosocial interventions.