Exploring Psychological Correlates of Online Gaming Behaviour: Self- Esteem and Mental Well-Being in Adolescents

Abstract

This study explored the psychological correlates of online gaming behaviour among adolescents, specifically focusing on gender differences. The study aimed to examine how self-esteem and mental well-being are related to online gaming behaviour among adolescents. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 105 adolescents from private schools in the National Capital Region (NCR). Standardized measures were used, including the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation test, and independent t-test. Findings revealed that higher scores on IGDS were significantly linked to lower self-esteem and mental well-being. Correlational analysis indicated that higher levels of online gaming behaviour were significantly associated with lower mental well-being in male participants, and no significant relationships were observed in female participants. Independent t-test revealed that male adolescents scored significantly higher on online gaming behaviour compared to females. These findings highlight the importance of psychological and social factors in understanding online gaming behaviour in adolescents and the need for gender-specific approaches in developing future interventions and research.