Network analysis of the relationship between internet gaming motives, internet gaming disorder, and leisure satisfaction

Despite an emphasis on its adverse consequences, Internet gaming has diverse motivational backgrounds and fulfills various human needs. This study used network analysis to identify the core motives underlying Internet gaming and the links between motives, Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and leisure satisfaction. University students (1720) participated in an online cross-sectional survey with the following results: (1) The overall network of Internet gaming motives showed that coping motives exhibited the highest centrality, suggesting their crucial network role; escape motives were most significantly linked to coping motives. The IGD group (n = 217) exhibited higher global network strength than the non-IGD group (n = 1503), with significant differences in specific edge and centrality indices (e.g., escape motives were more central in the IGD group, while recreational motives were more central in non-IGD.) (2) The network combining motives, IGD, and leisure satisfaction showed that the edge between escape motives and mood-modification symptoms built a significant link, while that between recreational motives and relaxation satisfaction was the most significant. Coping motives were positively associated with relaxation satisfaction, whereas social motives were negatively associated. These results highlight gaming motives' distinct IGD roles and imply the need to adopt personalized approaches to prevention/treatment strategies.