Publication: The correlation of gaming addiction on psychological resilience and stress coping mechanisms among Malaysian youths
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Date
2025
Authors
Azad, Muhammad Hazeeq Shammim
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Abstract
Video games have recently become highly prevalent worldwide, with players of all ages
participating in such activities. However, because gaming has a negative impact on players'
mental health, particularly among young people in Malaysia, addiction to video games has
become cause for concern. This research examined the interrelations among gaming group
classification, psychological resilience, and stress coping strategies within the youth
demographic in Malaysia. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional methodological
approach, data were gathered from 203 individuals who were classified into Contrast,
Highly Engaged, Problem, and Addicted gamer categories according to the Gaming
Addiction Scale (GAS). Psychological resilience was measured through the Brief
Resilience Scale (BRS), and stress coping strategies were classified into Problem-focused,
Emotion-focused, or Avoidant-focused categories using the Brief Coping Orientation to
Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). One-Way ANOVA and Multiple Linear
Regression analyses demonstrated the absence of statistically significant differences in
psychological resilience across the various gaming groups, indicating that classification
does not serve as a predictor of resilience levels within this population. In contrast, a Chi-
Square Test of Independence revealed a statistically significant correlation between gaming
group classification and stress coping strategy. Although Emotion-focused coping was
prevalent across all classifications, the Addicted gamer group distinctly exhibited the
utilization of an Avoidant-focused coping strategy, thereby differentiating them from other
categorizations. In summary, the findings indicate that gaming group classification does
not have a direct correlation with overall psychological resilience. However, it is
significantly associated with specific coping mechanisms. This suggests that interventions
aimed at addressing gaming-related challenges, particularly for individuals classified as
addicted gamers, should focus on modifying maladaptive coping strategies, such as
avoidance, in order to foster more effective stress management techniques.