Mediating role of depression and gender in the relationship between daily video games exposure and internet gaming disorder (IGD) among college students

To investigate the relationship between daily Video Games exposure and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) with reference to college students, analyse the mediating role of Depression and gender, and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IGD in college students. Using cluster random sampling, 1527 college students were selected to join the study. A Demographic questionnaire, Internet Gaming Disorder Test-20 (IGD-20), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were adopted to investigate Video Games and Depression among college students. Using the mediating effect analysis method, this study explores the mediating role of Depression in the relationship between daily play time and IGD, as well as the moderating role of gender. College students' daily Video Games exposure, gender and severity of Depression were independent factors influencing IGD. Mediation analysis revealed that Depression played a mediating role between daily Video Games exposure and IGD. In the mediating model, gender moderates the line from Depression to IGD. Male university students exhibiting prolonged gaming behavior coupled with depressive mood are at elevated risk for developing IGD and require prioritized intervention. Implementing targeted strategies to enhance emotional regulation skills - particularly for male students - may serve as one of pivotal preventive measure against IGD within collegiate populations.