Lovika P. Shikhu
Nagaland University, Nagaland
Pages:139-146
Maladaptive mentalization, i.e., inability to understand one’s own and others’ mental
states, has been noted to be a contributing factor for the development of Internet Gaming
Disorder (IGD), and in the era of digital haven, issues of mental distress erupting out of
excessive internet gaming has been reported. The present study aims to examine the
effect of mentalization and internet gaming disorder-related disturbances among youths
with gender and educational attainment. It also seeks to explore the association between
mentalization and IGD-related disturbances among the youths. 210 youths, both
receiving formal education and school dropouts, aged between 14 and 24 years, who
play internet games were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. They
completed the responses for the Multidimensional Mentalization Questionnaire and
Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-short form. Written informed consent was sought from
guardians and participants. The Departmental Ethics Committee approved the study.
School dropouts had more IGD as compared to youths receiving formal education.
Mentalization scores showed a significant negative association with IGD. A similar
trend was seen with Ego strength and IGD. A positive correlation was found between
Relational discomfort and IGD and Emotional Discomfort and IGD. Simple regression
indicated that Mentalization significantly contributes to predict IGD related disturbance