Adverse childhood experiences, dissociation, and anxious attachment style as risk factors of gaming disorder

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment styles, dissociation, and symptoms of gaming disorder (GD). Methods: The total sample of the survey was 1288 gamers who completed a set of questionnaires via the Internet; they included questions on ACEs, attachment styles (anxious and avoidance styles in intimate relationships), symptoms of dissociation, and GD. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the detailed relationships between variables. RESULTS: In the hypothesized model, ACEs, dissociation, and the scales of avoidance and anxiety were considered predictors of gaming disorder. Only the avoidance subscale proved to be statistically insignificant; the model without this variable fit the data and had good psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, this study showed a link between adverse childhood experiences, dissociation, and anxiety experienced in relationships as significant risk factors for symptoms of gaming disorder.