Validation of a Chinese version of the Internet Gaming Disorder-20 Test

Abstract

Background: The 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20 Test; Pontes et al., 2014) was developed based on the proposed diagnostic criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It consists of six core components of addiction (i.e., salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflict, and relapse), which were not all covered in existing Chinese IGD measures. This study aimed to examine psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the IGD-20 Test. Methods: The survey recruited 485 Chinese university students with Internet gaming experience who completed an anonymous questionnaire (IGD-20 Test, the modified Young’s Internet Addiction Test [YIAT], and background information items). Findings: The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that, after removing one item with low factor loading, the original six-factor model provided good model fit, χ2 (137) = 449.5, p < .001; CFI =0.937; TLI= 0.921; RMSEA=0.069, 90% CI [.062, .076]; SRMR=0.039. It also showed better fit than the one-factor model. Criterion-related and concurrent validity were supported by the positive association between IGD-20 scores and weekly gameplay (r = .44, p<.001) and the YIAT scores (r =.88, p<.001) respectively. The internal consistencies of the IGD-20 Test (α=.93) and the subscales (αs=.62 to .83) were acceptable. Discussion: This study validated a Chinese version of the IGD-20 Test, and confirmed its six-factor structure among Chinese students. This Chinese version facilitates future research of IGD. Future study may examine its psychometric properties among other age groups.