The Development of Structural Model of Internet Game Addiction Based on Impulsivity with Mediation Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Adolescents in Tehran City

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the development of a structural model of internet game addiction based on impulsivity, with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in adolescents in Tehran.Method: This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population consisted of male students in Tehran during the academic year 2023-2024. A sample of 500 students was selected using random cluster sampling. The data collection instruments included the Internet Gaming Disorder Questionnaire (IGDQ) developed by Pontes et al. (2014), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) by Patton et al. (1995), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) by Garnefski and Kraaij (2006). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling.Results: The results indicated that both impulsivity and cognitive emotion regulation had a significant direct effect on internet game addiction. Additionally, the findings revealed that cognitive emotion regulation played a mediating role in the relationship between impulsivity and internet game addiction.Discussion and conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it is recommended that the relationship between these variables be considered in interventions addressing internet game addiction among students. Overall, identifying the factors that influence the development of internet game addiction will enable psychologists and counselors to concentrate on these critical elements and organize their activities accordingly. This approach will ultimately lead to the provision of more effective services for vulnerable clients.