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Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 90 views

The Effect of Depression and Self-Regulation on Online Game Addiction Among Early Adults Mobile Legends's Players

Introduction

Mobile Legends, a popular online multiplayer game, has attracted millions of players worldwide, including early adults. The game's engaging gameplay and social features have made it a favorite among many, but it has also raised concerns about online game addiction. Research has shown that depression and self-regulation can play a significant role in online game addiction, but there is a lack of studies specifically focusing on Mobile Legends players. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the effect of depression and self-regulation on online game addiction among early adult Mobile Legends players.

Background

Mobile Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that has gained immense popularity since its release in 2016. The game's engaging gameplay, social features, and regular updates have made it a favorite among many players. However, the game's popularity has also raised concerns about online game addiction. Online game addiction is a growing problem that can have negative effects on mental and physical health, relationships, and academic or work performance.

Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Depression can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior, including their gaming habits. Self-regulation is the ability to control one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is an essential skill for maintaining good mental health and preventing addiction.

Methodology

This study involved 375 early adult Mobile Legends players who were chosen using incidental sampling techniques. The participants were asked to complete a survey that included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Self-Regulation Scale, and the Online Game Addiction Scale. The BDI-II is a widely used measure of depression that assesses the severity of depressive symptoms. The Self-Regulation Scale measures an individual's ability to control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Online Game Addiction Scale assesses the severity of online game addiction.

Results

The results of this study showed several important findings. First, there was a positive influence between depression and online game addiction. This means that the higher the level of a person's depression, the more likely they are to become addicted to online games like Mobile Legends. This finding is consistent with the theory that individuals who experience depression tend to look for escape from reality, and online games are often a means to avoid these negative feelings.

Second, the study found a negative effect between self-regulation and online game addiction. This shows that individuals with good self-regulation abilities tend to have better control of the time spent playing games. In this context, self-regulation functions as a barrier that can reduce the risk of addiction.

Furthermore, the study found a negative influence between depression and self-regulation. That is, individuals who experience higher depression levels tend to have lower self-regulation capabilities. This indicates that depression can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior, including in terms of playing games.

Finally, the results of the study also showed that the positive influence of depression on online game addiction was mediated by self-regulation. In other words, depression can increase online game addiction, but this effect can be strengthened or weakened by the ability of individual self-regulation.

Discussion

The findings of this study have several implications for understanding the effect of depression and self-regulation on online game addiction among early adult Mobile Legends players. First, the study highlights the importance of self-regulation in preventing online game addiction. Individuals with good self-regulation abilities tend to have better control of their gaming habits and are less likely to become addicted.

Second, the study suggests that depression can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior, including in terms of playing games. This is consistent with the theory that individuals who experience depression tend to look for escape from reality, and online games are often a means to avoid these negative feelings.

Finally, the study highlights the importance of developing self-regulation skills as a means to prevent online game addiction. Interventions that focus on developing self-regulation can be an effective solution to overcome the problem of game addiction among early adult individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the effect of depression and self-regulation on online game addiction among early adult Mobile Legends players. The findings of this study highlight the importance of self-regulation in preventing online game addiction and suggest that depression can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior. The study also highlights the importance of developing self-regulation skills as a means to prevent online game addiction. Future studies should continue to explore the relationship between depression, self-regulation, and online game addiction to develop effective interventions for preventing game addiction.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Develop self-regulation skills: Interventions that focus on developing self-regulation skills can be an effective solution to overcome the problem of game addiction among early adult individuals.
Monitor gaming habits: Parents, caregivers, and educators should monitor the gaming habits of early adult individuals to prevent excessive gaming.
Provide mental health support: Mental health professionals should provide support to individuals who experience depression and are at risk of online game addiction.
Develop online game addiction prevention programs: Online game addiction prevention programs should be developed and implemented to educate individuals about the risks of online game addiction and provide strategies for preventing it.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the study used a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to establish causality between depression, self-regulation, and online game addiction. Second, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study only examined the effect of depression and self-regulation on online game addiction among early adult Mobile Legends players, and future studies should continue to explore the relationship between these variables in other populations.

Future Directions

Future studies should continue to explore the relationship between depression, self-regulation, and online game addiction to develop effective interventions for preventing game addiction. Some potential directions for future research include:

Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to examine the development of online game addiction over time and the role of depression and self-regulation in this process.
Experimental studies: Experimental studies should be conducted to examine the effectiveness of interventions that focus on developing self-regulation skills in preventing online game addiction.
Cultural studies: Cultural studies should be conducted to examine the relationship between depression, self-regulation, and online game addiction in different cultural contexts.
Neuroimaging studies: Neuroimaging studies should be conducted to examine the neural mechanisms underlying online game addiction and the role of depression and self-regulation in this process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Effect of Depression and Self-Regulation on Online Game Addiction Among Early Adults Mobile Legends's Players

Q: What is online game addiction?

A: Online game addiction is a pattern of behavior characterized by excessive and compulsive use of online games, despite negative consequences for one's mental and physical health, relationships, and academic or work performance.

Q: What is the relationship between depression and online game addiction?

A: Research has shown that there is a positive relationship between depression and online game addiction. Individuals who experience depression are more likely to become addicted to online games, as they may use games as a means to escape from negative feelings and emotions.

Q: What is self-regulation, and how does it relate to online game addiction?

A: Self-regulation is the ability to control one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is an essential skill for maintaining good mental health and preventing addiction. Individuals with good self-regulation abilities tend to have better control of their gaming habits and are less likely to become addicted.

Q: Can depression interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior?

A: Yes, depression can interfere with a person's ability to regulate their behavior, including in terms of playing games. Individuals who experience depression may have difficulty controlling their gaming habits and may become addicted to online games.

Q: What are some strategies for preventing online game addiction?

A: Some strategies for preventing online game addiction include:

Developing self-regulation skills: Interventions that focus on developing self-regulation skills can be an effective solution to overcome the problem of game addiction.
Monitoring gaming habits: Parents, caregivers, and educators should monitor the gaming habits of early adult individuals to prevent excessive gaming.
Providing mental health support: Mental health professionals should provide support to individuals who experience depression and are at risk of online game addiction.
Developing online game addiction prevention programs: Online game addiction prevention programs should be developed and implemented to educate individuals about the risks of online game addiction and provide strategies for preventing it.

Q: What are some signs of online game addiction?

A: Some signs of online game addiction include:

Excessive gaming: Spending more than 4-6 hours per day playing games.
Neglect of responsibilities: Neglecting responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations, due to gaming.
Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression, when unable to play games.
Lying or hiding: Lying or hiding about the amount of time spent playing games or the impact of gaming on daily life.

Q: How can parents and caregivers help prevent online game addiction in children and adolescents?

A: Parents and caregivers can help prevent online game addiction in children and adolescents by:

Monitoring gaming habits: Monitoring the amount of time spent playing games and the types of games being played.
Setting limits: Setting limits on the amount of time spent playing games and enforcing those limits.
Encouraging physical activity: Encouraging physical activity and other hobbies to reduce the risk of online game addiction.
Providing mental health support: Providing mental health support and resources to help children and adolescents manage stress and negative emotions.

Q: What are some resources for individuals who are struggling with online game addiction?

A: Some resources for individuals who are struggling with online game addiction include:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A national organization that provides support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including online game addiction.
American Psychological Association (APA): A professional organization that provides resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including online game addiction.
Online game addiction support groups: Online support groups, such as Online Gamers Anonymous, that provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive support.
Mental health professionals: Mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, who can provide individualized support and treatment for online game addiction.