The Relation between Depression and Addiction to Online Games in Kuwait

Abstract

Purpose: The study applies Belongingness theory to examine the influence of addiction to online gaming on depression.
Study design/methodology/approach: A research model is built and a specific instrument designed to collect data. The data have been analyzed using many statistical tools including factor analysis, average variance extracted, composite reliability, and structured equation modeling (SEM) techniques.
Sample and data: The sample size consists of 526 of online gaming players in the State of Kuwait.
Results: Results verify all study hypotheses. They show that the sense of belonging is positively associated with addiction and that addiction has influential power on two forms of depression.
Originality/value: This research is original by the fact that it explores the impact of online gaming on psychological disorders in the region. This type of research is not fully explored because most existing research studies are directed toward the impact of depression on addiction, and not vice versa. Further, the results show that there can be more than one form of depression.
Research limitations/implications: First, this study is limited because it only covers Kuwaiti population; hence, the results cannot be generalized to other cultures. Second, there are other factors that may enhance total variance of the research model. In terms of implications, being aware of the side effects of overplaying puts responsibility on the player and their family members, especially parents, if they are teenagers or younger. It also urges legislators to develop appropriate legislations to prevent youngsters and millennials from being trapped in addiction disorders.