Gaming disorder among Korean adolescents

• In Event: Roundtable: Stressful Life in South Korea

Abstract

Gaming disorder among Korean adolescents have continually been problematic in South Korea. Their addictive behaviors lead to detrimental consequences related to physical and mental health. Relevant to the problem, this study applied Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) to explore the relationship between stressors in their life and gaming disorder among Korean adolescents. For its examination, this study utilized a data set from the 2021 Korean Children and Youth Well-Being Index (KCYWI) Survey. Through SEM (Structural Equation Modeling), this study found strong evidence to support the theory. Particularly, results indicated that stressful life in South Korea significantly increases gaming disorder among Korean adolescents. Further, parenting played a crucial role in the relationship. Overall, findings in this study provide better understanding to gaming disorder among Korean adolescents.

Authors

• Hyunin Baek, New Mexico State University

• Hyunmin Park, University of Central Florida

• Danee Lee, University of Cincinnati