Development and psychometric validation of Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) in a Brazilian sample.

R. B. Severo, Ana Paula Pereira Neto Barbosa, Daiana Rafaela Canabarro Fouchy, F. Coelho, R. Pinheiro, V. L. D. de Figueiredo, Vinícius de Siqueira Afonso, H. Pontes, K. Pinheiro

Addictive behaviors, 2019

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF in a sample of Brazilian gamers and to find the best cut-off point for this instrument using a normative and clinically diagnosed sample of gamers. METHODS A total of 610 participants were recruited to the present study. Construct validity was assessed through Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA, CFA). Criterion-related validity was established through the associations with Game Addiction Scale (GAS) and weekly gameplay. Reliability analysis was performed using the Cronbach's alpha (α) as the indicator of internal consistency. A cut-off point was estimated using the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC curve) where the results of a clinical assessment was used as the gold standard. RESULTS EFA and CFA findings confirmed the single-factor structure of the IGDS9-SF. Positive correlations indicated adequate criterion-related validity, and the scale was shown to be reliable (α=0.82). Finally, the optimal cut-off point for risky gaming was found to be >16 points and for diagnosis to be >21 points. CONCLUSIONS This study provides validity and reliability evidence for the use of the Brazilian version of the IGDS9-SF in the assessment of Internet Gaming Disorder, further supporting its usefulness as a robust psychometric tool that can be employed in clinical and research settings in Brazil.

Cited by 11 publications.

Field of study: Medicine

10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106191