Validation of the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and Its Association with Functional Impairment in Brazilian Gamers

Abstract

Despite the growing recognition of gaming disorder as a mental disorder, there is still debate about how it should be best screened for. This is especially relevant in countries where prevalence studies that could support evidence-based policymaking are still to be conducted. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and to explore its association with functional impairment. An online convenience sample of 805 Brazilian adults who reported playing games completed the adapted version of IGDT-10 and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, as well as the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and socio-demographic questions. The Brazilian Portuguese version of IGDT-10 demonstrated a unidimensional structure in both confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, with satisfactory internal consistency and adequate temporal stability. Participants who scored five or more on IGDT-10 presented higher levels of functional impairment compared to those who scored positive for four symptoms or less. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant and showed a moderate effect size. Network analysis showed a direct connection between IGDT-10 and functional impairment, and identified "negative consequences" as the most relevant item connecting these variables. The IGDT-10 is a brief, easy-to-understand, valid, and reliable instrument, proving to be a suitable candidate for screening gaming disorder in future epidemiological studies.