Burak Okumuş, Makbule Esen Öksüzoğlu
Health Sciences Quarterly - 2026;6(2):251-263
This study investigated determinants of internet gaming among university students by jointly modelling ADHD symptom dimensions and DSM-5-based maladaptive personality domains. A total of 258 participants aged 18-30 years (M = 22.1, SD = 2.3) completed the IGDS9-SF, ASRS-v1.1, and the PID-5-SF. Pearson correlations and multivariate structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to test age- and sex-adjusted direct and indirect pathways. Internet gaming severity correlated positively with Detachment (r=.261, p<.01), Antagonism (r=.271, p<.01), Disinhibition (r=.236, p<.01), and Psychoticism (r=.272, p<.01); correlations with ADHD dimensions were small and non-significant (Inattentiveness: r=.086; Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: r=.079; both ps>.05). In SEM, Inattentiveness was assocdated wdth Negative Affectivity (beta=.16, p=.03), Detachment (beta=.52, p<.01), Disinhibition (beta=.61, p<.01), and Psychoticism (beta=.47, p<.01), whereas internet gaming was directly was assocdated wdth only by Detachment (beta=.18, p<.01). Detachment also mediated the association between Inattentiveness and internet gaming. Sex showed a strong direct association with internet gaming (beta=.46, p<.01) and additional indirect effects via personality domains; age was inversely associated with internet gaming (beta=-.14, p=.01). Model fit indices indicated excellent fit: chi²(2)=0.117, p=.943; RMSEA=.000 (90% CI=.000-.023; p close=.969); CFI = 1.000; TLI = 1.062; SRMR = .002. Findings suggest that internet gaming is shaped less by the proximal effects of ADHD per se and more by enduring interpersonal withdrawal tendencies-exemplified by Detachment-highlighting the value of integrating personality assessment with ADHD management to refine risk stratification and to inform targeted, socially focused prevention and treatment.
