The Role of Social Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Assertiveness Levels in Online Game Addiction Among Nursing Students: A Structural Equation Modeling

Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of assertiveness level as a mediating variable in the relationship between online game addiction and social anxiety and self-esteem in nursing students. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational research. The sample consisted of 181 participants. Participants filled out the “Personal Information Form,” ”Online Game Addiction Scale,” ”Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale,” ”Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale,” and “Assertiveness Scale” online. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Results: It explains the mediating role of assertiveness as 6.2% in the effect of social anxiety and self-esteem on online game addiction. Social anxiety and self-esteem explain assertiveness as 31.4%. According to the Structural Equation Model established, the model were found to have acceptable fit values. Conclusion: As self-esteem decreases and social anxiety increases in nursing students, assertiveness decreases. As assertiveness increases, the risk of online game addiction decreases. Cite this article as: Kızılırmak Tatu M, Ercan F, Demir S. The role of social anxiety, self-esteem and assertiveness levels in online game addiction among nursing students: a structural equation modeling. Arch Health Sci Res. 2025; 12, 0042, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2024.24042.