The role of illness representations of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in help-seeking intention among undergraduates: A longitudinal study

Background and aims: The Common-Sense Model asserts that illness representations of a health threat affect coping and behavioral reactions to it. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a newly defined mental disorder and leads to various health consequences. Little is known about illness representations of IGD and help-seeking for IGD among young adults who are at particular risk of IGD. Objective: This study investigated the roles of illness representations in intention to seek help from professionals and important others (families and friends) for IGD in college students in China. Methods: A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted with a convenience sample of college students in China (N = 591, 57.9% females, Mean(age) = 19.10). Descriptive analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Approximately 10% of participants were classified as having probable IGD. However, over 70% endorsed self-diagnosed IGD. Less than 40% perceived resources of help-seeking, and most perceived shame for helpseeking. Less than 40% intended to seek help from professionals, and 26% from family and friends. Significant predictors of intention to seek professional help included probable IGD, perceived resources of help-seeking for IGD, consequence, timeline, and treatment. Significant predictors of intention to seek help from family and friends included probable IGD, self-diagnosed IGD, perceived resources of help-seeking for IGD, shame for helpseeking for IGD, timeline, treatment control, identity, concern, and emotional response. Females were more likely to seek both types of help. Discussion and conclusions: Perceptions of IGD and help-seeking play significant roles in help-seeking intentions. These modifiable factors can be used to guide the development of health promotion and behavioral change programs to promote help-seeking for IGD.