Research article | Open Access
Curricular Studies & Perspectives 2026, Vol. 2(1) 48-58
The Relationship Between Digital Gaming Addiction and Attention Difficulties in Middle School Students: The Role of Gender, Grade Level, and Gaming Duration
pp. 48 - 58
Publish Date: April 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between digital gaming addiction and attention difficulties in middle school students, and to investigate the differentiating roles of gender, grade level, and daily gaming duration. The study employed a quantitative descriptive and correlational design. Data were collected from 386 students (192 male, 194 female; Mage = 12.44, SD = 1.12) attending four public middle schools in different provinces of Turkey through voluntary online participation between December 2025 and January 2026. The Digital Gaming Addiction Scale (DGAS) and the Attention Difficulty Assessment Scale (ADAS) were used as measurement instruments. Independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed that male students scored significantly higher than female students on both digital gaming addiction and attention difficulties. Mean scores increased significantly in upper grades (7th and 8th grade), and both variables rose markedly as daily gaming duration increased. Correlation analysis indicated a moderate-to-strong positive association between digital gaming addiction and attention difficulties (r = .54, p < .01). Regression analysis demonstrated that gaming addiction subscales and daily gaming duration significantly predicted attention difficulties (R² = .46). Findings are discussed within the framework of existing literature, and recommendations for prevention and intervention programs are provided.
Keywords: : digital gaming addiction, attention difficulties, impulsivity, middle school students, screen time
APA 7th edition
DOGAN, S. (2026). The Relationship Between Digital Gaming Addiction and Attention Difficulties in Middle School Students: The Role of Gender, Grade Level, and Gaming Duration. Curricular Studies & Perspectives, 2(1), 48-58.
Harvard
DOGAN, S. (2026). The Relationship Between Digital Gaming Addiction and Attention Difficulties in Middle School Students: The Role of Gender, Grade Level, and Gaming Duration. Curricular Studies & Perspectives, 2(1), pp. 48-58.
Chicago 16th edition
DOGAN, Serhan (2026). "The Relationship Between Digital Gaming Addiction and Attention Difficulties in Middle School Students: The Role of Gender, Grade Level, and Gaming Duration". Curricular Studies & Perspectives 2 (1):48-58.
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