Assessment of Gaming Addiction and Perceived Psychological Distress Among Filipino Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

<p style="text-align: justify;">Online game addiction and psychological distress are two continuously developing problems in the Philippines, with Filipinos aged 18 to 24 being second largest age group overuse interactive online-related games. This sequential explanatory mixed method study aimed assess young adults’ gaming perceived during COVID-19 pandemic identify other factors contributing respondents’ frequent engagement online games, which served as a basis for preventive intervention program. The researcher administered survey questionnaires of Gaming Addiction Scale Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 399 adults 18–24 semi-structured interview guide 20 addicted non-addicted gamers. Key results showed that small percentage respondents experienced polythetic serious monothetic In contrast, half manifested mild moderate symptoms depression anxiety pandemic. Major findings also found no significant gender differences level pandemic, relationship substantiated association. Further revealed negative compensatory were associated gamers’ whereas gamers positive, beneficial factors. phenomenon has hardly ever been focus in-depth research, this can be used further refine conceptualization “internet disorder” mental disorder develop more comprehensive treatment method.</p>