Sex-based differences in the impacts of impulsivity and self-control on internet gaming disorder tendencies

Impulsivity (IMP) and self-control (SC) have been often studied independently, as risk and protective factors, correspondingly, for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) tendencies. Here, we seek to extend this view by studying their relative influences on IGD, and how these might vary based on biological sex. To this end, we apply network analysis to a sample of college students (405 males, 817 females). Findings suggest that SC has the highest node strength in the total score-based network of the three variables, irrespective of sex. Sex disparities are observed in global strength, with males exhibiting higher IGD tendencies and a stronger association with IMP. Moreover, the findings indicated that in the network (1) academic performance is the most central symptom of IGD tendencies for both sexes, and (2) there is a stronger link between IMP and the IGD node in males. These results shed light on how SC and IMP impact IGD tendency differently for males and females. They ultimately underscore the necessity for sex-specific intervention strategies to address IGD effectively. • This study based on the dual-system theory, examines the crucial role of self-control in the development of IGD tendency. • For college students, the impact of online gaming on academic performance is the most critical IGD symptom. • The network structure of symptoms between males and females shows differences, with males exhibiting a closer association between impulsivity and IGD tendency.