The Lived Experiences of Individuals and Coping Strategies in the Context of Internet Gaming Disorder: A Qualitative Study Within Higher Education Setting in Uganda

Abstract

The study highlights a global pattern of early initiation into gaming, emphasizing the need for early intervention and preventive measures. Factors such as easy accessibility and affordability of gaming platforms, idleness, and stress play significant roles in motivating internet gaming, contributing to a higher prevalence among the studied population. The research underscores the adverse effects of IGD on students, affecting academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. Notably, participants demonstrate agency in addressing IGD through practical coping strategies, including controlling data access, seeking social support, and uninstalling games. These coping mechanisms provide valuable insights into the complex nature of addressing IGD and form a basis for developing targeted interventions and support systems within the higher education setting in Uganda.