Interaction effects of cumulative genetic score and psychological distress on excessive gaming: A 2-year longitudinal study

Biological and psychological factors influence the multifaceted addictive behavior of excessive gaming. While studies have reported the association of individual monoamine genes and depression or anxiety with excessive gaming, no study has explored the interplay between the biological and psychological factors underlying excessive gaming. Thus, this study examines whether the effects of depression or anxiety on excessive gaming differ as a function of cumulative genetic score (CGS) of seven monoamine genes. We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses over a year with 117 college students (63.2% male; mean age = 21.87). The cross-sectional analyses showed significant interactions between CGS and depression/anxiety on concurrent excessive gaming at an initial and later time point (i.e., Time 1 and Time 2). Higher levels of depression or anxiety led to higher levels of excessive gaming among individuals with higher CGS even after controlling the effect of anxiety or changes in behavior between Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). These findings suggest that the effects of psychological distress on excessive gaming may differ as a function of the collective effects of seven monoamine genes. This study also suggests that identifying individuals genetically prone to excessive gaming is crucial-treating their depression or anxiety may be effective in curbing the inclination towards excessive gaming.