El Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con los Videojuegos (CERV) : un instrumento para detectar el uso problemático de videojuegos en adolescentes españoles

El objetivo del presente estudio es validar el Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con los Videojuegos (CERV). El cuestionario consta de 17 ítems, desarrollados a partir del CERI de Beranuy y cols., y valora el uso problemático de los videojuegos no masivos. Se ha validado para adolescentes que cursan estudios de secundaria obligatoria. Para la validación se ha realizado un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y un análisis de consistencia interna. La estructura factorial muestra dos factores a) Dependencia psicológica y uso para la evasión, y b) Consecuencias negativas del uso de videojuegos. Se ofrecen puntos de corte de la escala para sujetos sin problemas en el uso de videojuegos (SP), problemas potenciales en el uso de videojuegos (PP) y problemas severos en el uso de videojuegos (PS). Los resultados indican que se da una mayor prevalencia entre varones y que el uso problemático disminuye con la edad. El CERV parece ser un buen instrumento para el cribado de adolescentes con dificultades derivadas del uso de videojuegos. Estudios futuros deberían relacionar el uso problemático de videojuegos con dificultades en otros ámbitos de la vida, como el académicoThe aim of this study is to validate the Video Game-Related Experiences Questionnaire (CERV in Spanish). The questionnaire consists of 17 items, developed from the CERI (Internet-Related Experiences Questionnaire - Beranuy and cols.), and assesses the problematic use of non-massive video games. It was validated for adolescents in Compulsory Secondary Education. To validate the questionnaire, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and an internal consistency analysis were carried out. The factor structure shows two factors: (a) Psychological dependence and use for evasion; and (b) Negative consequences of using video games. Two cut-off points were established for people with no problems in their use of video games (NP), with potential problems in their use of video games (PP), and with serious problems in their use of video games (SP). Results show that there is higher prevalence among males and that problematic use decreases with age. The CERV seems to be a good instrument for the screening of adolescents with difficulties deriving from video game use. Further research should relate problematic video game use with difficulties in other life domains, such as the academic fiel

The problematic use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in adolescents by the cross sectional JOITIC study

Background: The emerging field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has brought about new interaction styles. Its excessive use may lead to addictive behaviours. The objective is to determine the prevalence of the problematic use of ICT such as Internet, mobile phones and video games, among adolescents enrolled in mandatory Secondary Education (ESO in Spanish) and to examine associated factors. Methods: Cross sectional, multi-centric descriptive study. Population: 5538 students enrolled in years one to four of ESO at 28 schools in the Vallès Occidental region (Barcelona, Spain). Data collection: self-administered socio-demographic and ICT access questionnaire, and validated questionnaires on experiences related to the use of the Internet, mobile phones and video games (CERI, CERM, CERV). Results: Questionnaires were collected from 5,538 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 20 (77.3 % of the total response), 48.6 % were females. Problematic use of the Internet was observed in 13.6 % of the surveyed individuals; problematic use of mobile phones in 2.4 % and problematic use in video games in 6.2 %. Problematic Internet use was associated with female students, tobacco consumption, a background of binge drinking, the use of cannabis or other drugs, poor academic performance, poor family relationships and an intensive use of the computer. Factors associated with the problematic use of mobile phones were the consumption of other drugs and an intensive use of these devices. Frequent problems with video game use have been associated with male students, the consumption of other drugs, poor academic performance, poor family relationships and an intensive use of these games. Conclusions: This study offers information on the prevalence of addictive behaviours of the Internet, mobile phones and video game use. The problematic use of these ICT devices has been related to the consumption of drugs, poor academic performance and poor family relationships. This intensive use may constitute a risk marker for ICT addictio