Asssigment

  

Part 2 Literature Review 

Begin by describing which databases you searched, search terms you used related to your topic, how you narrowed your search, how you selected those references you will discuss in this section.

Summary of Article

This section should discuss at least 5 articles/peer reviews on the topic. The content of this section should be separated bolded headers between the summary of each article. 

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Research Paper: Introduction & Background

Addiction to Video Gaming in Adolescents

Arian Morales

Miami Regional

MSN5027: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum

Dr. Ariel Del Valle

January 19, 2025

Addiction to Video Gaming in Adolescents

The topic of this discussion is the growing concern of video gaming addiction among adolescents. As video games become increasingly embedded in daily life through advanced technologies and accessibility, the risks associated with excessive gaming have escalated. Adolescents, undergoing critical developmental phases, are particularly susceptible to addiction and its consequences, which extend into various facets of life. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition warranting further study, emphasizing its relevance (APA, 2022).

Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years are the demographic most impacted by video gaming addiction. Beyond the individuals affected, families, schools, and healthcare providers face challenges in managing the consequences. Communities with widespread access to gaming technologies often lack robust safeguards, increasing the prevalence of addiction. This issue is not confined to socioeconomic boundaries but is pervasive in environments where digital engagement is prevalent (Carlisle, 2021).

Stakeholders Affected by the Selected Issue

The stakeholders affected by video gaming addiction in adolescents extend beyond the individuals directly experiencing it. Families are often the first to feel the impact, as parents and siblings may experience strained relationships due to conflicts over gaming habits. Parents frequently struggle to establish boundaries, which can lead to heightened familial tensions. Educational institutions are another critical stakeholder group; teachers and school administrators must address academic underperformance and behavioral issues caused by gaming addiction, often requiring the allocation of resources for intervention programs. Healthcare providers, particularly mental health professionals, are increasingly tasked with diagnosing and treating gaming addiction and its associated mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression (Carlisle, 2021).

Policymakers and community leaders are also stakeholders, as they must implement and regulate measures to mitigate the societal impact of gaming addiction. This includes public awareness campaigns and funding for research and intervention programs. Additionally, gaming companies play a role, as they face growing scrutiny over practices such as microtransactions and game mechanics designed to promote prolonged engagement (Cabeza-Ramírez et al., 2022).

Issue Affecting the Community

Video gaming addiction in adolescents has profound implications for community well-being. Academically, it contributes to declining performance among students, reducing the overall quality of education. Communities with higher rates of adolescent gaming addiction may face increased dropout rates and fewer opportunities for youth to engage in productive extracurricular activities. Socially, gaming addiction fosters isolation, hindering the development of interpersonal skills and reducing community engagement. This isolation can lead to a weakened sense of community cohesion and increased reliance on social services for intervention and support.

The healthcare system also bears the burden of gaming addiction, with rising demand for mental health services to address its effects. Communities must allocate resources to support adolescents struggling with this issue, including therapy, educational programs, and recreational alternatives to gaming. In the long term, the economic and social costs of gaming addiction, such as reduced workforce readiness and chronic health conditions, further exacerbate community challenges (Carlisle, 2021).

Cost Associated with the Issue

The costs associated with video gaming addiction in adolescents are multifaceted, impacting families, healthcare systems, and society at large. For families, significant financial resources may be directed toward gaming consoles, subscriptions, and in-game purchases, often amounting to hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. This financial strain is particularly burdensome for low-income households where such expenditures may compete with essential needs. On a societal level, healthcare costs are substantial due to the increased demand for mental health services, including counseling and treatment for gaming-related disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficits. Additionally, educational institutions face costs associated with implementing remedial programs and interventions to address the academic setbacks caused by gaming addiction (Cabeza-Ramírez et al., 2022).

Furthermore, communities may experience broader economic consequences due to lost productivity and reduced workforce readiness as adolescents fail to acquire essential skills for future employment. Policymakers must allocate resources for public awareness campaigns and preventative measures, further increasing societal costs (Carlisle, 2021).

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects Related to the Topic Selected

In the short term, video gaming addiction disrupts adolescents’ daily lives by impairing sleep patterns, reducing academic performance, and straining familial relationships. Sleep deprivation, common in excessive gamers, affects cognitive functioning, leading to poor decision-making and decreased learning abilities. Physically, prolonged sedentary behavior increases the risk of obesity and musculoskeletal issues ((Cabeza-Ramírez et al., 2022). Socially, adolescents may become isolated from peers, further exacerbating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Carlisle, 2021).

The long-term effects are more severe and far-reaching. Adolescents who suffer from gaming addiction may face chronic mental health challenges, including persistent depression and anxiety, which can hinder their ability to form healthy relationships and pursue career opportunities. Academic setbacks during adolescence may translate into limited career prospects, perpetuating a cycle of economic and social instability. Additionally, long-term physical health problems, such as obesity and related complications, place an added burden on healthcare systems. Social isolation and maladaptive coping mechanisms learned during addiction can extend into adulthood, reducing overall quality of life and community engagement (Cabeza-Ramírez et al., 2022).

Summary

Video gaming addiction in adolescents presents a significant challenge with widespread effects on individuals, families, and communities. The financial costs to families and societal institutions underscore the pressing need for intervention and preventive measures. Short-term impacts, such as disrupted sleep and academic performance, set the stage for long-term consequences, including chronic health issues, reduced career opportunities, and persistent social isolation. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort among families, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and gaming companies to mitigate its effects and promote healthier digital engagement.

References

Cabeza-Ramírez, L. J., Sanchez-Canizares, S. M., Fuentes-Garcia, F. J., & Santos-Roldan, L. M. (2022). Exploring the connection between playing video games and watching video game streaming: Relationships with potential problematic uses. 
Computers in Human Behavior, 
128, 107130.

Carlisle, K. (2021). Utility of DSM-5 criteria for internet gaming disorder. 
Psychological reports, 
124(6), 2613-2632.