Factor structure and psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, short form (IGDS-SF9)

BACKGROUND: In its most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the American Psychological Association recognized that internet gaming disorder is a psychological condition and provides nine criteria for its diagnosis, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, short form (IGDS-SF9) was developed to assess individuals. AIM: To develop and investigate the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of IGDS-SF9. METHOD: A five-stage translation and verification process produced an Arabic version of IGDS-SF9, and a study was conducted using a sample of 410 respondents (45.6% females, mean age = 17.6, SD = 1.56) to assess its psychometric properties. Respondents completed the Arabic version, the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, as well as a demographic survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance, item response theory, convergent, concurrent, criterion validity, and internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were employed to validate the scale. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis suggested the scale’s unidimensional structure; the confirmatory factor analysis exhibited good model fit and factor loadings. Measurement invariance, and concurrent, convergent, and criterion validity were established, resulting in good internal consistency and test–retest reliability for the scale. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of IGDS-SF9 is a valid and reliable measure for research and diagnosis in Arabic-speaking countries.