HomeQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAbout
SCREEN SENSE

Screen Sense

Cyberpsychology | Digital Wellbeing
ContactAboutQuizCoachingArticlesTypesHome
Close
HomeQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAboutContact
Back to Articles
December 1, 2015
Science

Problematic digital gaming behavior and its relation to the psychological, social and physical health of Finnish adolescents and young adults

T

he aim of this study was to identify problematic gaming behavior among Finnish adolescents and young adults, and evaluate its connection to a variety of psychological, social, and physical health symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 293 respondents aged from 13 to 24 years. Participants completed an online survey. Problematic gaming behavior was measured with the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). Self-reports covered health measures such as psychological health (psychopathological symptoms, satisfaction with life), social health (preferences for social interaction), and physical health (general health, Body Mass Index [BMI], body discomfort, physical activity).

Results

Problematic gaming behavior was found to relate to psychological and health problems, namely fatigue, sleep interference, depression and anxiety symptoms. Multiple linear regression indicated that the amount of weekly gaming, depression and a preference for online social interaction predicted increased problematic gaming symptoms.

Conclusions

This research emphasized that problematic gaming behavior had a strong negative correlation to a variety of subjective health outcomes.

‍

Download the PDF article on AKJournals.

You might Also Like

Read

The Dopamine Brain by Dr Anastasia Hronis

Clinical psychologist and founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness Dr Anastasia Hronis lifts the lid on dopamine to help us live by intention, not impulse. A transformative guide to breaking free from impulsive habits and living a more intentional life.

Read More
News

Australia will double maximum penalty for platforms in breach of social media ban

Australia is strengthening enforcement of its social media minimum-age law, with the maximum penalty for platforms that fail to comply set to double to A$99 million. The changes will also give Australia's eSafety Commissioner greater powers to require social media companies to provide evidence showing what they have done to comply with the law.

Read More
News

Midnight social media curfew proposed for UK teens aged 16 and 17

The UK government has proposed new measures aimed at reducing late-night social media use among teenagers aged 16 and 17. Under the proposal, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube would be unavailable by default between midnight and 6am for users in this age group. Teenagers would still be able to change their settings and opt out of the restriction.

Read More
Seeking support for your digital wellbeing?

Screen Sense Sessions

Screen Sense offers personalised one-to-one support to help you better understand your digital habits and make practical, lasting changes to the way you use technology.

Sessions >
About us

Understand digital wellbeing through cyberpsychology. Screen Sense explores the psychology behind gaming, social media and digital technology through evidence-based articles, courses and practical insights for adults and young people (16+).

Navigation
HomeQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAbout
Contacts
Based in New Zealand
hello@screensense.pro
+64 27 707 1467
CONTACT us
Send Message
Copyright Screen Sense Limited 2026
Cyberpsychology | Digital Wellbeing