Poster #23

Childhood Trauma and Internet Gaming Disorder

By: Devin Yuen

Abstract:

Studies on childhood trauma found sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and emotional and physical neglect to be predictors of lifetime DSM-IV disorders. With the rise of technology and the current pandemic, the internet is becoming more integrated into everyday life. More studies are being conducted focusing on the detrimental effects of high internet engagement. Internet gaming disorder has been found to have negative consequences on the individuals’ health and psychological functioning. Individuals with internet gaming disorder are often overlooked due to the behavior being more socially acceptable. As there is an abundance of studies on childhood trauma and the development of substance addictions including substance abuse and dependence, this presentation aims to focus on a behavioral-type addiction to better aid in detecting and treating individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. This presentation will synthesize pre-existing literature to aid in understanding the association between childhood trauma and the development of internet gaming disorder.