Exploring the Trustworthiness and Precision of Japan’s IGDS-C: A Dive into Children’s Online Gaming Disorders

Objective:

The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale is a 9-question assessment tool formulated based on the diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the DSM-5. This research sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale for children (IGDS-C) within both clinical and nonclinical Japanese groups.

Methodology:

The investigation encompassed clinical outpatients aged 9-29 who exhibited problematic gaming behavior and nonclinical teenagers aged 12-18 who engaged in online gaming at least once weekly. Reliability was evaluated by determining internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Validity was measured using Spearman’s correlation and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

Findings:

A total of 746 individuals (93 clinical, 653 nonclinical) were included for statistical evaluation. Results regarding reliability indicated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87) and adequate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.62). CFA outcomes (Comparative Fit Index = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation = 0.10, standardized root mean square residual = 0.05, factor loadings = 0.59-0.71) along with significant correlations with the GAMES assessment, psychological distress, and gaming hours confirmed the validity of the IGDS-C.

Summary:

The research established the reliability and validity of the IGDS-C among Japanese clinical and nonclinical participants, indicating that it effectively captures the severity of IGD.