A new study has shed light on the connection between video gaming problems and mental health issues among Norwegian university students, highlighting significant gender differences in the risks associated with gaming behaviours. The findings were published in the journal BMC Psychiatry.
The research, part of the Norwegian Students’ Health and Wellbeing Study, analysed responses from over 59,000 students aged 18 and older. It categorised participants as non-gamers, recreational gamers, engaged gamers, problematic gamers, and addicted gamers, using the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents.
Findings revealed that gaming problems are associated with an increased likelihood of non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation, with notable differences between males and females. Among female participants, the risk rose significantly with the severity of gaming problems, while in males, the trend was less pronounced. Engaged and addicted gamers of both genders were found to face higher risks compared to recreational gamers, but the impact was generally more severe for females.
The study also highlighted that females with gaming problems often reported greater emotional distress, loneliness, and mood dysregulation compared to their male counterparts. This aligns with prior findings that female gamers may experience more negative social interactions, such as harassment, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
In males, gaming problems were less strongly linked to non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation beyond the level of recreational gaming. Researchers suggest this may be due to differing coping mechanisms, with females potentially using gaming as a way to escape emotional distress, thus creating a more direct link between gaming issues and psychological challenges.
Although the study emphasises the risks for females, it also notes the broader impact of gaming problems on students’ mental health. Addicted gamers of both genders displayed a higher likelihood of attempting suicide compared to recreational gamers, underscoring the gravity of severe gaming issues.
Researchers acknowledge the need for further exploration into the temporal relationship between gaming problems and mental health. They call for longitudinal studies to better understand whether gaming issues precede mental health struggles or vice versa. Additionally, they advocate for preventive measures targeting at-risk students, particularly those exhibiting signs of problematic or addicted gaming behaviours.
With gaming becoming an increasingly common pastime, the findings underline the importance of addressing its potential mental health implications. Universities and mental health professionals may need to consider tailored interventions that account for the unique experiences and risks associated with gender and gaming.
