The Correlational Relationship Between Electronic Game Addiction and Executive functions of the brain Among a Sample of Adolescent Students

Abstract

Electronic game addiction is a common issue nowadays and is considered a form of behavioral addiction with negative consequences. It affects adolescents’ psychological, physical, cognitive, and social well-being. Most previous studies have shown a positive relationship between electronic games and functions of the brain, indicating that electronic game addiction can lead to chemical changes in the brain, particularly among different age groups, especially children and adolescents of both genders. Despite the growing interest in studying both electronic game addiction and executive functions of the brain, the majority of previous research has focused on individuals with developmental disorders, autism, or learning disabilities. Therefore, a research gap exists in exploring the relationship between electronic game addiction and executive functions of the brain among typically developing adolescents, particularly students in general education schools, who represent a vital segment in all societies, To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, there are no Arab or international studies that have addressed the current research variables collectively within a single correlational framework among male and female students in intermediate and secondary schools in Saudi society. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the nature of the correlational relationship between electronic game addiction and executive functions of the brain among adolescent students. The significance of this research lies in its potential to assist specialists in developing counseling programs for adolescents to reduce electronic game addiction and enhance executive functions of the brain among students across different educational stages, ultimately contributing to the development of an aware generation capable of advancing their society.