Internalizing and externalizing pathways to internet gaming disorder: the roles of anger and social anxiety

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) represents a significant behavioral health concern, yet the roles of internalizing and externalizing psychological vulnerabilities in its development remain underexplored, particularly in Arabic-speaking populations. Objective: This study examined anger and social anxiety as distinct externalizing and internalizing predictors of IGD severity in a Saudi Arabian community sample. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 303 participants (60.1% female; estimated mean age = 29.79 years, SD = 8.83) across five regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), a three-item Anger Screening Scale, and a two-item Social Anxiety screener. Hierarchical linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted to examine unique and incremental contributions of anger and social anxiety to IGD symptoms. Results: Anger and social anxiety were strongly intercorrelated (r = .86, p