Trajectory of internet gaming disorder among Chinese adolescents: Course, predictors, and long-term mental health outcomes

作者：Pu Peng, Zhangming Chen, Silan Ren, Ying Hé, Jinguang Li, Liao Ai-jun, Linlin Zhao, Xu Shao, Shanshan Chen, Ruini He, Yudiao Liang, Youguo Tan, Xiaogang Chen, Jinsong Tang, Yanhui Liao · 发表于：Journal of Behavioral Addictions · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1556/2006.2025.00054 · 被引用次数：18 · 研究领域：Impact of Technology on Adolescents、Child Development and Digital Technology、Digital Mental Health Interventions

Background and Objectives: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a growing public health concern, especially among adolescents. However, most IGD studies are cross-sectional, leaving its developmental course poorly understood. This study examined IGD trajectories, their predictors, and their long-term mental health outcomes among Chinese adolescents. Methods: A cohort of 16,833 adolescent gamers (mean age = 13.40, 46.56% girls) was recruited from 76 middle schools in Zigong City through cluster sampling. Assessments were conducted in November 2020 (T1), November 2021 (T2), and November 2022 (T3). IGD was measured using the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Demographic, gaming, environmental, and psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety, sleep problems, suicidal ideation, conduct problems, hyperactivity, resilience, mental wellbeing, prosocial behavior) were also assessed. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) identified IGD trajectories, and logistic regression evaluated predictors and mental health outcomes at T3. Results: GMM identified four IGD trajectories: High-Risk Decreasing (4.5%), Moderate-Risk Stable (19.5%), Moderate-Risk Increasing (3.0%), and Low-Risk Stable (73.0%). Age, gaming time, anxiety, sleep problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and low prosocial behavior predicted worsening IGD symptoms. At T3, the Moderate-Risk Increasing group had significantly higher risks for adverse mental health outcomes compared to the Low-Risk Sta...