Internet gaming in university students: Structural equation modeling of ADHD symptomatology, personality dimensions and sociodemographic correlates

Abstract

This study investigated determinants of internet gaming among university students by jointly modelling ADHD symptom dimensions and DSM-5–based maladaptive personality domains. A total of 258 participants aged 18–30 years (M = 22.1, SD = 2.3) completed the IGDS9-SF, ASRS-v1.1, and the PID-5-SF. Pearson correlations and multivariate structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to test age- and sex-adjusted direct and indirect pathways. Internet gaming severity correlated positively with Detachment (r=.261, p<.01), Antagonism (r=.271, p<.01), Disinhibition (r=.236, p<.01), and Psychoticism (r=.272, p<.01); correlations with ADHD dimensions were small and non-significant (Inattentiveness: r=.086; Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: r=.079; both ps>.05). In SEM, Inattentiveness was associated with Negative Affectivity (β=.16, p=.03), Detachment (β=.52, p<.01), Disinhibition (β=.61, p<.01), and Psychoticism (β=.47, p<.01), whereas internet gaming was directly was associated with only by Detachment (β=.18, p<.01). Detachment also mediated the association between Inattentiveness and internet gaming. Sex showed a strong direct association with internet gaming (β=.46, p<.01) and additional indirect effects via personality domains; age was inversely associated with internet gaming (β=−.14, p=.01). Model fit indices indicated excellent fit: χ²(2)=0.117, p=.943; RMSEA=.000 (90% CI=.000–.023; p close=.969); CFI = 1.000; TLI = 1.062; SRMR = .002. Findings suggest that internet gaming is shaped less by the proximal effects of ADHD per se and more by enduring interpersonal withdrawal tendencies—exemplified by Detachment—highlighting the value of integrating personality assessment with ADHD management to refine risk stratification and to inform targeted, socially focused prevention and treatment.