Effect of Violent E-Gaming on Sleep Quality and Impulsivity among University Students: Role of Emotional Regulation as Mediator

The present study aimed to explore the effect of violent e-gaming on sleep quality and impulsivity among university students, with emotional regulation as a mediator. Using a snowball sampling technique, data were collected from 100 university students (male=50 and females=50) aged 19-23 years with game type Pubg (n=58) are higher in number as compared to others (n=42). Participants completed the Game Addiction Scale, Sleep Quality Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale. The results of correlation analysis revealed that gaming addiction was negatively correlated with emotional regulation and sleep quality, while emotional regulation was positively correlated with sleep quality(p<0.01). Impulsivity demonstrated weak positive, yet non-significant, associations with gaming addiction, emotional regulation, and sleep quality. Linear regression analysis showed that gaming addiction significantly predicted emotional regulation, impulsivity, and sleep quality. Furthermore, emotional regulation mediated the relationships between gaming addiction, impulsivity, and sleep quality. The t-test analysis indicated no significant gender differences in gaming addiction, emotional regulation, sleep quality, or impulsivity. This research contributes to understanding the psychological impacts of violent e-gaming and underscores the importance of emotional regulation in mitigating its negative effects.