The Prediction Role of Delay of Gratification on Game Addiction in Children

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate prediction of delaying gratification on game addiction among primary school students who attend 3rd and 4th grade. This study, in which the delay of gratification behavior had a correlation with game addiction among children, was carried out using a descriptive survey model. The sample group of the study consisted of 318 students who attend 3rd and 4th grade classes in a primary school in the province of Kocaeli. Of the total 318 participants, 103 (32.4%) were 3rd graders and 215 (67.6%) were 4th graders. The gender ratios of the participants were 48.4% (154) female and 51.6% (164) male students. In the study, Game Addiction Scale in Children and Delay of Gratification Scale were used as data collection tools. SPSS 23.0 package program was used for the analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that there was a significant and positive correlation between game addiction and subfactors in delay of gratification behavior with the value of r=.658 internet and TV, r=.584 for technology, r=.501 for sports, r=.361 for money, and r=.174 for food. As a result of the regression analysis, it was seen that the delay of gratification behavior and its subfactors had an effect on game addiction. With these results in the research, it is aimed to contribute to the disciplines related to psychological counseling and addiction regarding psycholetric qualifications.