Exploration of Internet Gaming Disorder among the Esports Community

As of 2014, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) as a condition for further study. There are questions about the validity of the current diagnostic criteria, particularly when distinguishing IGD from avid or professional gaming. This study aims to explore the validity of the DSM-5 criteria for IGD, establish prevalence rates, and identify predictive factors of IGD within the esports community. A sample of 147 esports players completed an online survey comprising of an IGD measure (Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9—Short Form [IGDS9-SF]) based on the DSM-5 criteria, and a range of health, and demographic questions. The IGDS9-SF significantly correlated with psychological distress and disability (impairment in daily functioning). An exploratory factor analysis confirmed the IGDS9-SF criterion loaded onto a single factor. Using the 32-point cutoff for IGD on the IGDS9-SF, findings indicated that 11.64% of nonprofessional esports players and 5.26% of professional esports players met IGD cutoffs. Level of disability was the only significant predictor of reaching the IGD cutoff. These findings support the DSM-5 conceptualization of IGD within the esports community and identify a potential larger risk for nonprofessional players. The clinical implications and future directions for research as result of these findings are discussed.