Attention Problems and Academic Achievement in Different Age Groups: The Role of Game Addiction

Authors

  • Ru He Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, China
  • Chang Dong Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, China
  • Guodong Chen Zhonghuan Information College, Tianjin University of Technology, China
  • Miao Chao Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, China; Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, China; Center of Collaborative Innovation for Assessment and Promotion of Mental Health, China

Keywords:

attention problems, academic achievement, game addiction, secondary school students, high school students, college students

Abstract

Attention problems negatively impact academic achievement in students. Although previous studies have investigated the underlying mechanism of this association, the potential mediating role of game addiction has been understudied, particularly among different age stages. This study examined the mediating effect of game addiction on this relationship among secondary school (n=554, Mage=14.34), high school (n=450, Mage=15.6), and college students (n=572, Mage=19.13). Participants completed questionnaires assessing attention problems, game addiction, and academic achievement. Results showed that game addiction mediated the association between attention problems and academic achievement in secondary school students, but not high school students. College students exhibited an indirect effect of attention problems on academic achievement through game addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of limiting gaming behavior to improve academic performance and mitigate the negative effects of attention problems.

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Published

2024-05-06

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024): June

Section

Articles