A recent study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, indicates that individuals who began playing video games at a young school age tend to develop gaming problems more rapidly compared to those who started a few years later.
The primary author of this research is Annika Hofstedt, a PhD candidate at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, who also serves as a psychologist and leads the Clinic for Gambling Disorder and Screen Health at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where the study took place.
“While we can’t definitively say that starting to game early causes faster addiction, it could be a significant factor. The fact that those who began gaming earlier experienced problems more rapidly might also be due to the availability of games today that can lead to dependence sooner. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing preventive strategies,” explains Annika Hofstedt.
The findings align with earlier research suggesting that an early introduction to gaming is a risk factor for developing a more serious gaming disorder. These results have been documented in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Involving both adults and youth
The research involved 69 participants, aged between 15 and 56, who met the diagnostic criteria for gaming disorder. Only three participants were female. The individuals were split into two equal groups: one group comprised of those aged 25 and younger, and the other group included those aged 26 and above. Data was gathered through structured interviews and questionnaires.
The younger group began gaming at ages six to seven and began facing problems around the average age of 14. In contrast, the adult group began gaming around the age of ten, with significant issues surfacing at an average age of 21.
Different phases of life
Anna Söderpalm Gordh, Associate Professor at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Research Director at the Department of Addiction and Dependency at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, is the study’s senior author.
“More and more individuals across various age groups are engaging with digital games. While video games aren’t inherently harmful, we require greater understanding of how gaming disorders evolve across different life stages. Our results prompt essential considerations for society and parents. It might be wise to delay giving a child their first video game console by a few years,” states Anna Söderpalm Gordh.
Understanding Gaming Disorder:
A person diagnosed with gaming disorder experiences an overwhelming desire to play computer, video, or mobile games. For a diagnosis of gaming disorder, these challenges must have persisted for a significant period and must demonstrably disrupt relationships and other areas of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition since 2018. The most effective treatment, supported by research, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is the type of therapy provided by the clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
