Abstract

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a condition where individuals have impaired control over gaming, often leading to an excessive amount of time spent on gaming and the neglect of daily responsibilities. With the increasing prevalence of individuals with IGD, counselling interventions to address this issue have become essential. While past research has explored perceived social support (PSS) as a protective factor, sources of PSS (support from family, friends and significant others) that may help mitigate IGD remain inconclusive, especially in the context of emerging adults in Malaysia. This has led to the research question of which sources of PSS are more effective in reducing IGD in this population. Accordingly, two research objectives have been identified: 1) To investigate the predictive relationship between PSS and IGD among emerging adults in Malaysia; 2) To identify which of the PSS sources is more effective in reducing IGD among emerging adults in Malaysia. A quantitative survey design was employed, utilising the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form (IGDS9-SF) as instruments. A total of 259 emerging adults who scored 32 out of 45 in IGDS9-SF were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. The results from linear regression indicated that PSS significantly and negatively predicted IGD (β = -.192, P < .05). Then, the results from hierarchical regression revealed that PSS from family served as a sole significant source in mitigating IGD [F (1, 257) = 10.599, p < .05, R2= .04], while PSS from friends (R2=.009, p > .05) and significant others (R2= .003, p > .05) were not significant predictors. Overall, the results offer valuable insights for customising interventions and support strategies to reduce IGD.