Large Difference Between Genders in Gaming Addiction Risk

For some teenagers, gaming can become a problem associated with addiction. According to a new Swedish study, there are significant gender differences in the risk of developing an unhealthy relationship with gaming.

Gaming addiction is a growing :censored:6:cdd6bbaa89: issue, and researchers at Jönköping University and Region Jönköpings län wanted to investigate the risks among Swedish schoolchildren. The study is based on data from a public health survey of more than 5,300 adolescents aged 15–17 in Jönköpings län.

The survey has been conducted using the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), a short test with four questions that, according to researchers, is well-suited for school environments. It enables early identification of youths at risk for gaming addiction and the ability to implement preventive measures.

“The results show that long gaming hours are the strongest common risk factor for both girls and boys in developing a gaming addiction, but that’s where the similarities end,” says Gunilla Björling, professor at the School of Health and Welfare in Jönköping.

Higher Risk for Boys

The study shows that nearly 44 percent of boys were in the risk zone for gaming addiction compared to about twelve percent of girls. Boys spend on average twice as much time playing as girls, but the risk factors vary by gender.

According to Björling, they were surprised to see such clear gender differences in risk patterns. Besides long hours of play, the strongest risk factor for gaming addiction among boys was poorer mental well-being, while for girls it was low physical activity.

The study yielded more surprises.

“It was surprising that self-esteem and sleep had no significant link to gaming addiction, despite many previous studies indicating otherwise. The results suggest that young people’s mental health and lifestyle habits play a larger role than traditional psychological factors,” says Gunilla Björling.

Gender-Adapted Strategies

The researchers believe that schools and healthcare providers should use the results to prevent gaming addiction among young people, highlighting the importance of gender-adapted strategies.

“For boys, the focus should be on strengthening mental well-being, for example through counseling support, stress management, and social activities. For girls, efforts that promote physical activity—such as activity breaks, sports programs, and active leisure—should be used to prevent gaming addiction,” says Amir Pakpour, professor at the School of Health and Welfare in Jönköping.