earticle

영어

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors predicting internet game addiction in higher grade elementary schoolers according to gender. Methods: The participants were 898 elementary school students who were in 5th and 6th grade. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from October 1 to November 20 2012 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, x2 test and logistic regression with the SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. Results: The prevalence rate of internet game addiction group was 8.8% (boys 7.1%, girls 1.7%). In terms of gender difference, it was found that girls’ stress coping behaviors were more passive than male students (t=-3.27, p=.001). In boys, variables that predicted internet game addiction were aggressive coping, active coping, internet gaming hours per day and academic achievements. In girls, variables that predicted internet game addiction were aggressive coping, close friends and academic achievements. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate there is a need to develop positive stress-coping behaviors programs and prevent internet game addiction in higher grade elementary school students.