The Effect of Emotional Regulation Skills on Digital Game Addiction in Children Aged 8- 10 in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

The Effect of Emotional Regulation Skills on Digital Game Addiction in Children Aged 8- 10 in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Effect of Emotional Regulation Skills on Digital Game Addiction in Children Aged 8- 10 in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study Seda Karakaya Çataldaş, Seda Güney, Aleyna Özkan This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7392297/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 14 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Digital game addiction is an emerging concern in children, with emotional regulation skills identified as a potential protective factor. But, evidence for younger school-aged children is limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8–10 in Türkiye. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with 258 third- and fourth-grade students from a public primary school in Istanbul. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children, and the Emotion Regulation Scale for Children – Self-Report Form. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression. Results Lower regulation of anger and excitement was significantly associated with higher levels of digital game addiction. Logistic regression analysis indicated that both anger (OR = 0.87, p < .001) and excitement (OR = 0.83, p = .003) were significant negative predictors of addiction risk. Children who used technology for 3–4 hours per day had significantly greater odds of addiction compared to non-users (OR = 9.26, p = .006). The overall model explained 27.9% of the variance. Conclusions Emotion regulation skills—particularly the ability to manage anger and excitement—play a critical role in digital game addiction among children. Professionals working with children should prioritize early screening for emotional regulation difficulties and consider implementing interventions, such as therapeutic play, to promote adaptive emotional expression. Strengthening these skills may enhance social adaptation and reduce the likelihood of addictive gaming behaviors. Emotional Regulation Skills Digital Game Addiction Children Aged 8–10 Background The rapid digitalization of childhood leisure activities has led to a significant rise in digital game use among children, raising growing concerns about the potential for digital game addiction. Digital game addiction, characterized by excessive or compulsive use of games that interferes with daily functioning, has been associated with a range of developmental, psychological, and behavioral challenges in children [ 1 , 2 ]. Recent literature [ 3 , 4 ] indicates that disregulation in emotional regulation skills is critical in developing and persisting digital game addiction. Emotional regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence their emotions, emotional experiences, and emotional expressions. Effective emotional regulation empowers individuals to cope with stress and behave appropriately across different situations [ 5 ]. It involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions through various strategies. This skill significantly influences children's social and cognitive development by shaping their interactions with peers and adults [ 6 ]. Studies have demonstrated that teenagers who struggle with emotion regulation are at a heightened risk for developing addictive behaviors related to digital games, with implications for both psychological and social well-being [ 7 , 8 ]. Children may use digital games as a maladaptive coping strategy to deal with negative emotions and emotional dysregulation. The sense of escape and mood alteration provided by gaming can reinforce addictive behavior [ 9 , 10 ]. Specifically, children often use video games as a coping mechanism to escape negative emotions or stressors, as they may find the virtual environments provide a sense of control and social interaction that they lack in real life [ 11 , 12 ]. The inability to effectively regulate emotions can exacerbate reliance on digital games, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction where online gaming serves as both a refuge from emotional distress and a contributor to the escalation of behavioral issues [ 1 , 2 ]. Bağatarhan [ 13 ] demonstrated that self-regulation mediates the relationship between digital game addiction tendencies and social competence in preschool children, suggesting that early regulatory skills are foundational in shaping healthy technology use. Emotional autonomy and emotion regulation jointly predicted game addiction severity in adolescents, indicating a developmental continuity in these mechanisms across age groups [ 8 ]. While previous research has predominantly focused on adolescents as a high-risk group for digital game addiction [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], recent trends highlight a growing concern for younger children. According to the 2024 report by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), internet use among children aged 6–15 rose from 82.7% in 2021 to 91.3% in 2024, with 97.4% of these children reporting regular internet usag [ 17 ]. Furthermore, 74% of children in this age group reported playing digital games, and a striking 90.8% indicated they play digital games regularly [ 17 ]. Younger school-aged children (8–10 years) are critical, as this age marks a transitional period where children begin to navigate more complex emotional and social environments, often through digital platforms. However, there is a relative paucity of research focused specifically on this age group living in Türkiye. Considering the cultural and social specificities of parenting, education, and media exposure in Türkiye, a deeper understanding of how emotion regulation capacities influence the risk of digital game addiction in Turkish children is both timely and essential. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8–10 in Türkiye. Research Questions Is there a relationship between emotion regulation skills and the level of digital game addiction in children aged 8–10? Do emotion regulation skills predict the level of digital game addiction in children aged 8–10? Methods Study Design A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. It was reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines (see Supplementary File 1). Participants The study population consisted of 3rd and 4th-grade students attending public primary school affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the central district of Istanbul during the 2024–2025 academic year. Inclusion criterias for the study were (i) Aged between 8 and 10 years and enrolled in the 3rd or 4th grade (ii) Having no visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, (iii) Being able to read and write, (iiii) Having parental consent to participate in the study, (iiiii) Providing consent to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria from the study were (i) Inability to read and write, (ii) Lack of proficiency in Turkish, and (iii) not volunteering to participate. The sample group included 3rd and 4th-grade students enrolled in one selected primary school. The study sample was determined using a non-probability sampling method. The primary education division of the school comprised 672 students in total, with 336 enrolled in the 3rd and 4th grades. All eligible students were invited to participate in the study. Following the acquisition of informed consent from the students and their parents, 258 students were included in the final sample. Data Collection Process Data for this study were collected between March 14 and 28, 2025, during the 2024–2025 academic year. The data collection process was conducted by the researchers within the school setting where the participating students were enrolled, at times deemed appropriate by the school administration. Parental informed consent was obtained via printed consent forms that were sent home with the students. Only those students whose parents provided written consent were included in the study. Prior to the administration of the data collection instruments, students were informed about the study’s purpose and content. Emphasis was placed on the principles of voluntariness and confidentiality, and any questions raised by the students were answered comprehensively. The data collection process took approximately 15 minutes per student. Instruments Sociodemographic Form The researchers developed a sociodemographic information form to gather data on participants’ gender, age, number of siblings, parental education levels, and average daily duration of technological device use. Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children The Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children was developed by Şahin, Keskin, and Yurdugül [ 18 ] and comprises six items under a unidimensional (single-factor) structure. The original study reported a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of .78. Given that both the structural reliability (.89) and internal consistency coefficient (.78) exceed the commonly accepted threshold of .70, the scale is considered a valid and reliable instrument for measuring digital game addiction. The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from "Not at all true of me" to "Totally true of me". Total scores range from 5 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater tendencies toward digital game addiction. In the present study, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as .63. Although this value falls below the conventional cutoff of .70 for acceptable internal consistency [ 19 ], it may still be considered acceptable in the context of exploratory research, particularly in studies involving newly developed or culturally adapted instruments and constructs that are inherently complex or multidimensional [ 20 ]. Emotion Regulation Scale for Children – Self-Report Form The Emotion Regulation Scale for Children – Self-Report Form was developed by Rydell, Berlin-Thorell, and Bohlin [ 21 ], based on the idea that children are capable of self-assessing their emotional regulation skills. The scale items were adapted from the "Emotion Regulation Checklist – Adult Form" developed earlier by Rydell, Berlin, and Bohlin [ 22 ], which was designed to assess children's emotional regulation from the caregivers' perspective. The scale consists of 29 items covering four subdimensions: anger (9 items), excitement (5 items), fear (8 items), and sadness (7 items). It is a four-point Likert scale with response options ranging from "Not at all true of me" to "Completely true of me." Higher total scores indicate higher levels of emotional regulation. Some items are reverse-scored (e.g., Anger items 2 and 9; Excitement items 4 and 5; Fear items 3, 6, and 7). The Turkish adaptation and validation of the scale were conducted by Harmancı and Güngör Aytar [ 23 ]. The original version demonstrated good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85. In the current study, the Cronbach's alpha was calculated as .81, indicating high internal reliability. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28. Descriptive statistics—including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage—were calculated to summarize participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, levels of digital game addiction, and emotion regulation skills. To evaluate the normality of the data distribution, skewness and kurtosis values were examined. Based on the distribution of the data, the relationship between digital game addiction and emotion regulation skills was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient for normally distributed data. Group differences in digital game addiction and emotion regulation scores across sociodemographic variables were examined using independent samples t-tests or one-way ANOVA, depending on the number of comparison groups. Post hoc comparisons were performed using Tukey’s HSD test for homogenous variances and the Games-Howell test when variances were unequal. In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the predictive role of emotion regulation skills on the likelihood of digital game addiction. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical Issues The study was conducted using the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Before data collection, ethical approval was obtained from the XXX University Committee on Human Research (approval number: 2024.455.IRB3.200). The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education also granted official permission to conduct the research in the public primary school where the study was conducted. Informed consent was obtained from all children and parents. In addition, permission was obtained via e-mail from the owner of the scales used. Results Participant characteristics The mean age of the children in this study was 9.2 years (SD = 1.0). The majority were female (50.8%). Most participants were in the 4th grade (54.7%) and reported having three siblings (32.9%). The most common household size was five members (32.9%). Regarding parental education, the most frequently reported level for mothers was university education (21.3%), and for fathers, secondary school education (19.8%). In terms of daily technology use, the largest group used technology for 1–2 hours per day (32.2%). The primary purpose of technology use was relaxation (75.2%) (Table 1 ). Group Comparisons for Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Digital Game Addiction Scores Table 1 also shows the mean scale scores based on variables. A significant difference was observed regarding mothers’ education level: children whose mothers were high school graduates scored significantly higher on the fear subdimension compared to those whose mothers had completed only primary school. Similarly, children of literate mothers had higher fear scores than those whose mothers’ education level was unknown (p < .01). In terms of technology use, children who used technology for more than 4 hours per day had significantly lower scores on the anger subdimension compared to those with shorter daily usage durations (p < .01). Post-hoc comparisons using the Tukey test revealed that children who reported no technology use or used it for 0–1 hour, 1–2 hours or 2–3 hours per day had significantly lower scores on the digital game addiction scale compared to those who used technology for 3–4 hours or more than 4 hours daily (p < .001). One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in mean digital game addiction scores based on the number of siblings, F(5, 252) = 2.48, p = .032. However, post-hoc comparisons using the Games-Howell test showed that the pairwise differences between groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Table 1 Participant Characteristics and Group Comparisons for Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Digital Game Addiction Scores (N = 258) Variables n (%) Mean ± (SD) Age 258 (100) 9.20 ± 1 Anger X̄ ± SD Excitement X̄ ± SD Fear X̄ ± SD Sadness X̄ ± SD Digital game addiction X̄ ± SD Gender Female 131 (50.8) 25.58 ± 4.9 13.68 ± 2.8 20.89 ± 4.6 19.35 ± 4.8 13.20 ± 4.6 Male 127 (49.2) 24.93 ± 5.0 13.45 ± 2.6 21.96 ± 4.1 18.97 ± 4.1 14.17 ± 4.5 t 1.036 .676 -1.941 .667 -1.709 p .944 .423 .349 .144 .089 Class 3. 117 (45.3) 25.37 ± 4.8 13.71 ± 2.7 21.86 ± 4.3 19.14 ± 4.5 13.35 ± 4.2 4. 141 (54.7) 25.17 ± 5.1 13.45 ± 2.8 21.05 ± 4.5 19.18 ± 4.5 13.95 ± 4.8 t .318 .731 1.453 − .071 -1.053 p .589 .845 .531 .821 .293 Total number of siblings (including the respondent) Only me 10 (3.9) 24.46 ± 5.3 13.30 ± 4.5 19.70 ± 6.6 16.98 ± 5.8 13,50 ± 6.8 2 84 (32.6) 25.87 ± 4.9 13.53 ± 3.1 21.92 ± 4.5 20.04 ± 4.7 13,00 ± 4.8 3 85 (32.9) 24.98 ± 4.8 13.52 ± 2.4 21.09 ± 4.3 19.11 ± 4.2 13,56 ± 4.1 4 41 (15.9) 25.07 ± 5.2 13.56 ± 2.7 21.57 ± 4.2 18.68 ± 5.0 13,19 ± 3.3 5 27 (10.5) 25.76 ± 5.8 13.68 ± 2.3 21.16 ± 4.0 18.06 ± 3.6 15,88 ± 5.6 6 or more 11 (4.3) 22.90 ± 3.7 14.24 ± 1.7 21.68 ± 3.8 19.30 ± 4.0 16,29 ± 3.2 F .908 .161 .634 1.512 2.48 p .477 .976 .674 .187 .032* Number of people living in the household (including the respondent) 3 15 (5.9) 25.01 ± 5.1 12.80 ± 3.8 20.48 ± 5.2 19.11 ± 5.1 12.80 ± 6.0 4 76 (29.5) 25.74 ± 5.0 13.58 ± 3.0 21.98 ± 4.4 19.69 ± 4.7 13.35 ± 4.7 5 85 (32.9) 24.75 ± 4.9 13.54 ± 2.6 20.59 ± 4.4 19.21 ± 4.2 13.77 ± 4.3 6 and more 82 (31.8) 25.39 ± 5.1 13.73 ± 2.4 21.92 ± 4.1 18.63 ± 4.5 14.05 ± 4.4 F .555 .477 1.982 .722 .498 p .645 .699 .117 .540 .684 Education level of mother Literate 26 (10.1) 24.37 ± 5.7 13.94 ± 2.4 23.25 ± 4.5 bc 19.56 ± 4.1 14.30 ± 5.1 primary school 52 (20.2) 26.28 ± 4.5 13.49 ± 2.7 20.45 ± 5.0 ab 19.08 ± 3.8 13.72 ± 3.9 secondary school 36 (14) 24.82 ± 4.8 13.65 ± 2.6 21.80 ± 3.5 abc 19.59 ± 3.7 13.60 ± 3.9 high school 41 (15.9) 26.42 ± 4.6 13.70 ± 3.2 23.33 ± 3.6 c 19.89 ± 4.9 12.90 ± 5.0 University 55 (21.3) 24.68 ± 5.4 13.64 ± 2.9 21.41 ± 4.2 abc 18.79 ± 5.2 12.98 ± 4.64 master's or doctorate 19 (7.4) 23.91 ± 5.7 13.71 ± 2.9 19.87 ± 4.6 abc 19.15 ± 5.5 16.05 ± 5.7 Unknown 29 (11.2) 25.09 ± 3.9 12.86 ± 2.3 19.36 ± 4.0 a 18.08 ± 4.5 14.02 ± 4.0 F 1.278 .421 4.136 .587 1.376 p .268 .865 < .001 .741 .225 Education level of father literate 22 (8.5) 24.32 ± 5.9 13.55 ± 2.4 23.09 ± 4.3 19.42 ± 4.1 14.64 ± 5.5 primary school 39 (15.1) 25.56 ± 4.4 13.70 ± 2.3 20.88 ± 4.4 18.99 ± 3.5 14.02 ± 4.7 secondary school 51 (19.8) 25.61 ± 4.6 13.03 ± 2.9 21.81 ± 4.0 19.24 ± 4.6 13.45 ± 3.8 high school 41 (15.9) 25.19 ± 4.7 14.25 ± 2.9 21.88 ± 4.2 19.30 ± 4.0 13.73 ± 5.2 university 48 (18.6) 25.53 ± 5.5 13.24 ± 2.8 20.44 ± 4.1 19.07 ± 5.0 13.02 ± 4.3 master's or doctorate 24 (9.3) 25.44 ± 5.8 14.37 ± 2.5 22.66 ± 4.4 20.42 ± 5.5 13.02 ± 4.5 Unknown 33 (12.8) 24.54 ± 4.6 13.29 ± 3.0 20.26 ± 5.1 18.10 ± 5.0 14.35 ± 4.6 F .330 1.241 1.856 .632 .576 p .921 .286 .089 .705 .749 Duration of technology use Never 16 (6.2) 25.77 ± 5.3 a 14.27 ± 2.7 22.86 ± 5.4 19.44 ± 4.0 11.45 ± 4.3 a 0–1 hr/day 80(31) 25.61 ± 4.5 a 13.60 ± 2.8 21.05 ± 3.6 19.14 ± 4.5 12.76 ± 4.1 a 1–2 hr/day 83 (32.2) 26.39 ± 4.6 a 13.58 ± 2.8 22.13 ± 4.8 19.72 ± 4.7 12.63 ± 4.1 a 2–3 hr/day 34(13.2) 25.12 ± 4.6 a 13.86 ± 2.4 20.74 ± 4.3 18.85 ± 4.3 14.25 ± 3.6 ab 3–4 hr/day 25(9.7) 23.93 ± 4.9 a 13.83 ± 2.4 21.09 ± 4.2 19.35 ± 4.1 16.57 ± 3.3 bc >4 hr/day 20(7.8) 20.64 ± 6.1 b 11.96 ± 3.0 20.31 ± 4.9 17.03 ± 4.6 18.90 ± 5.8 c F 5.086 1.668 1.301 1.183 11.39 p < .001 .143 .264 .318 < .001 The purpose of technology use Relaxation 194 (75.2) 25.0 ± 5.0 13.4 ± 2.8 21.3 ± 4.4 19.3 ± 4.6 13.72 ± 4.6 Learning 177 (68.6) 25.8 ± 4.7 13.8 ± 2.7 22.07 ± 4.2 19.4 ± 4.9 12.83 ± 4.3 Communication 100 (38.8) 25.9 ± 5.4 13.3 ± 3.0 21.7 ± 4.6 19.5 ± 4.8 13.56 ± 4.6 Research 159 (61.6) 25.9 ± 5.0 13.8 ± 2.8 21.5 ± 4.3 19.6 ± 4.8 13.00 ± 4.3 Listening to Music 135 (52.3) 25.4 ± 4.9 13.7 ± 2.9 21.6 ± 4.2 19.4 ± 4.8 13.31 ± 4.4 Taking Photos and Videos 105 (40.7) 24.9 ± 4.8 13.4 ± 2.8 21.4 ± 4.2 19.3 ± 4.7 13.58 ± 4.5 Using Social Media 38 (14.7) 22.9 ± 5.6 12.5 ± 3.1 20.4 ± 4.2 17.4 ± 4.8 15.85 ± 5.2 Shopping 36 (14) 25.8 ± 5.7 13.1 ± 2.6 21.4 ± 4.6 18.6 ± 5.0 14.22 ± 4.6 p < .05. t: t test F: One-Way Analysis of Variance. * Post hoc-Tukey's (honestly significant difference) *there is no significant difference between those with the same letter Relationship Between Participants’ Digital Game Addiction and Emotion Regulation Subdimensions Scores The relationship between digital game addiction and the subdimensions of the emotion regulation skill scale is shown in Table 2 . Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between digital game addiction and all subdimensions of emotional regulation. Specifically, a moderate negative correlation was found with anger (r = − .428, p < .001) while low to moderate negative correlations were observed with excitement (r = − .319, p < .001). fear (r = − .242. p < .001). and sadness (r = − .271. p < .001). Table 2 The Relationship Between Participants’ Digital Game Addiction and the Anger, Excitement, Fear, and Sadness Subdimensions of the Emotion Regulation Skill Scale Digital Game Addiction Anger Excitement Fear Sadness r a − .452 − .338 − .267 − .257 p < .001 < .001 < .001 < .001 a Pearson correlation 3.4. Predictors of Emotion Regulation Subdimensions and Duration of Technological Use on The Likelihood of Digital Game Addiction A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictive role of emotion regulation subscales and the duration of daily technology use on digital game addiction (Table 3 ). The overall model was statistically significant, χ²(9) = 60.35, p < .001, indicating that the predictors significantly differentiated individuals with and without addiction. The model accounted for approximately 27.9% of the variance in the dependent variable (Nagelkerke R² = .279) and correctly classified 69.0% of the cases. Among the subscales of emotion regulation, both anger (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.80, 0.95], p < .001) and excitement (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.74, 0.95], p = .003) were significant negative predictors of addiction. In contrast, fear and sadness subscales were not statistically significant predictors. Regarding technology use, only those who reported using technology for 3–4 hours per day had significantly higher odds of digital game addiction compared to non-users (OR = 9.26, 95% CI [1.89, 45.38], p = .006). Other usage categories were not statistically significant. Table 3 Logistic Regression Model Predicting Digital Game Addiction Using Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Daily Technology Use (N = 258) Variable B SE Wald χ² p OR (Exp(B)) 95% CI for OR Anger -0.138 0.039 12.22 < .001 0.87 [0.80. 0.95] Excitement -0.180 0.060 9.05 .003 0.83 [0.74. 0.95] Fear -0.019 0.037 0.27 .606 0.98 [0.91. 1.06] Sadness 0.030 0.040 0.55 .459 1.03 [0.95. 1.12] Technology use: 0–1 hr/day 0.271 0.621 0.19 .663 1.31 [0.39. 4.35] Technology use: 1–2 hr/day 0.473 0.621 0.58 .446 1.60 [0.47. 5.42] Technology use: 2–3 hr/day 1.208 0.692 3.04 .081 3.35 [0.86. 13.03] Technology use: 3–4 hr/day 2.226 0.817 7.42 .006 9.26 [1.89. 45.38] Technology use: >4 hr/day 1.252 0.842 2.21 .137 3.50 [0.65. 18.71] Constant 5.307 1.244 18.20 < .001 201.84 — Note: Reference category: "No technology use". OR = Odds Ratio; CI = Confidence Interval. Nagelkerke R² indicates that approximately 28% of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by the model. Nagelkerke R²: .279 Discussion This study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8 to 10 in Türkiye. Most of studies in the literature revealed that digital game addiction has predominantly been studied among middle and high school students [ 24 ]. Therefore, this study addressed a gap in the literature by focusing on a sample of this age group. Digital Game Addiction and Sociodemographic Characteristics The initial findings revealed that digital game addiction scores did not significantly differ according to age, gender, grade level, number of siblings, or parental education levels. However, previous studies has consistently shown that male students are more prone to gaming addiction than female students [ 25 , 26 ]. A systematic review by Meng et al. [ 27 ] also found higher rates of game addiction among males in the general population. Similarly, a Türkiye-based review concluded that male students tend to exhibit higher levels of gaming addiction compared to females [ 28 ]. These findings were not aligned with current outcomes, which did not reveal significant gender differences. In terms of daily technology use, 63.2% of the children in our sample reported using technology for 0–2 hours per day, while 17.5% used it for three or more hours. According to Sussman et al. [ 29 ], the average daily screen time for children aged 8–12 exceeds 4.5 hours, including usage of various devices such as TVs, smartphones, computers, and gaming platforms. Consistent with the literature, our study showed that children who used technology for longer durations had significantly higher digital game addiction scores. Atabay et al. [ 25 ] similarly reported that increased gaming duration was associated with a higher risk of addiction among middle school students. Furthermore, Temur and Özçakır Sümen [ 26 ] also demonstrated a significant positive correlation between gaming duration and addiction levels in fourth-grade students. There were no significant relationship found between the parental education level and digital game addiction in our study. This finding was in line with prior research by Aydoğdu [ 30 ] and Temur & Özçakır Sümen [ 26 ]. However, there are some contrasting findings that report a positive association between higher parental education levels and increased digital game addiction [ 24 ]. Similarly, parents with higher education were found to unknowingly enable excessive gaming behavior in children [ 31 , 32 ]. Emotion Regulation and Sociodemographic Characteristics In our study, it was found that children who used technology for more than four hours per day had significantly lower scores on the anger subdimension compared to those who used it for shorter durations (p < .01). This result may imply that children who has difficulties in regulating their anger effectively may be more inclined to engage in prolonged daily technology use as a coping mechanism. Previous studies have also found that children with digital game addiction are more likely to display aggressive behaviors [ 11 , 33 ]. Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Digital Game Addiction Our study found statistical negative correlations between digital game addiction and all subdimensions of emotion regulation. A binary logistic regression model showed that the anger and excitement subdimensions, along with 3–4 hours of daily technology use, together predicted approximately 27% of the variance in digital game addiction. These findings suggest that children with lower emotion regulation skills—particularly those who struggle with anger and excitement—may be more vulnerable to digital game addiction. According to the Compensatory Internet Use Theory [ 34 ], individuals may engage in excessive digital activities, such as gaming, as a way to escape or regulate negative emotional states. In this context, digital games can serve as a coping mechanism for children who cannot effectively express or manage their emotions. Children who struggle to regulate anger may turn to digital games as a means of emotional suppression or catharsis, particularly when these games provide experiences of control, dominance, or power—elements often missing in their interpersonal environments. This behavioral pattern is aligned with findings from adolescent studies which indicates dysfunctional emotion regulation significantly predicts digital game addiction [ 8 ]. Moreover, the role of excitement which was found to be a predictor of addiction, also offers insights into the reward-related mechanisms of digital games. Digital games typically involve rapid feedback loops, high arousal, and reward-based mechanics. These features may especially attract children who experience difficulty in managing intense emotional stimulation. In this regard, gaming may temporarily satisfy a child's need for stimulation or novelty that they are otherwise unable to regulate. Consistent with our findings, a systematic review by Estupiñá et al. [ 35 ] emphasized that digital games often avoid or suppress emotional discomfort. Likewise, a study by Lin et al. [ 36 ] demonstrated that adults with internet gaming disorder had significantly lower scores on emotional adjustment, the regulation strategy most strongly associated with gaming addiction. Supporting this, a meta-analysis by Marchica et al. [ 37 ] reported that over 90% of studies found poorer emotion regulation to be associated with more severe symptoms of gaming or gambling disorder, with many showing medium to large effect sizes. Conclusion This study found that lower regulation of anger and excitement significantly increases the risk of digital game addiction, particularly among children who use technology for more than three hours a day. These findings underscore the importance of professionals working with children in early identification of those at risk, assessment of emotional regulation skills, and implementation of interventions—such as therapeutic play—to foster adaptive emotional expression. Digital game addiction may lead to social withdrawal, aggressive responses when gaming is interrupted, and reduced opportunities for peer interaction, potentially hindering social and emotional development. Strengthening emotional regulation through targeted interventions offers a promising strategy to enhance social adaptation and reduce addictive behaviors. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating structured programs that address emotional regulation as a core component in preventing and managing digital game addiction. Limitations This study has several limitations. First, the study’s design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between emotion regulation and digital game addiction. Second, the sample was drawn from a single school in one geographic location, which limits the generalizability of the results to broader populations. Third, all data were collected through self-report measures completed by children, which may introduce response biases such as social desirability or inaccurate self-assessment. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was conducted using the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Before data collection, ethical approval was obtained from the Koç University Committee on Human Research (approval number: 2024.455.IRB3.200). The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education also granted official permission to conduct the research in the public primary school where the study was conducted. Informed consent was obtained from all children and parents. In addition, permission was obtained via e-mail from the owner of the scales used. Consent for publication Not applicaple Availability of data The corresponding author could provide all of the datasets that were utilized and analyzed during the research upon request. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding The authors declare that there were no funds for this study Authors' contributions The conceptualization of the study was undertaken by Seda Karakaya Çataldaş (SKÇ) and Seda Güney (SG). Data curation was carried out collaboratively by SKÇ, SG, and Aleyna Özkan (AÖ). Formal analysis was performed by SKÇ, while the investigation process involved SKÇ, SG, and AÖ. The methodology was developed by SKÇ and SG, and supervision was jointly provided by SKÇ and SG. Visualization of the study findings was prepared by SKÇ, SG, and AÖ. The original draft of the manuscript was written by SKÇ, SG, and AÖ, and the review and editing were completed by SKÇ. Acknowledgements Not applicaple References Şenol Y, Şenol FB, Can Yaşar M. Digital game addiction of preschool children in the Covid-19 pandemic: social emotional development and parental guidance. Curr Psychol (New Brunsw N J). 2023;1–9. 10.1007/s12144-023-04323-8 . Marufoğlu S, Yıkılmaz Kutlutürk S. Ortaokul öğrencilerinde dijital oyun bağımlılığının fiziksel aktivite ve uyku alışkanlıklarına etkisi. Bağımlılık Dergisi. 2021;22(2):114–22. 10.51982/bagimli.817756 . Lin S, Tan L, Chen X, Liao Z, Li Y, Tang Y, Shi Y, Hao J, Wang X, Huang Q, Shen H. Emotion dysregulation and Internet gaming disorder in young people: Mediating effects of negative affect and metacognitions. 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Int J Technol Educ Sci. 2022;6(4):569–84. 10.46328/ijtes.390 . Blasi MD, Giardina A, Giordano C, Coco GL, Tosto C, Billieux J, Schimmenti A. Problematic video game use as an emotional coping strategy: Evidence from a sample of MMORPG gamers. J Behav Addictions. 2019;8(1):25–34. 10.1556/2006.8.2019.02 . Ahmed G, Abdalla A, Mohamed A, Mohamed L, Shamaa H. Relationship between time spent playing internet gaming apps and behavioral problems, sleep problems, alexithymia, and emotion dysregulations in children: a multicentre study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Mental Health. 2022;16(1). 10.1186/s13034-022-00502-w . Jeong EJ, Kim DJ, Lee DM. Why do some people become addicted to digital games more easily? A study of digital game addiction from a psychosocial health perspective. Int J Human–Computer Interact. 2017;33(3):199–214. Derakhsh M, Heydari S, Hassanzadeh R. The effectiveness of play therapy on improving emotion regulation and social adjustment of students addicted to online games. JAYPS. 2023;4(10):110–8. 10.61838/kman.jayps.4.10.12 . Bağatarhan T. Digital game addiction tendency and social competence in preschool children: the mediating role of self-regulation. İnsan ve Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2023;6(2):424–43. 10.53048/johass.1374193 . Dinç SY. Ortaokul öğrencilerinde dijital oyun bağımlılığının, sosyal uyum ve okula bağlılık üzerindeki yordayıcı etkisinin incelenmesi. Bağımlılık Dergisi. 2023;24(2):227–38. 10.51982/bagimli.1142991 . Ilgaz H. Ergenler için oyun bağımlılığı ölçeğinin Türkçeye uyarlama çalışması. İlköğretim Online. 2015;14(3). 10.17051/io.2015.75608 . Şenel A, Atilgan E, Turhan M, Özsoy R, Duman S, Ocak M, Mutlu E. İnternet oyun oynama bozukluğu olan adölesanlarda kas iskelet sistemi semptomları. Bağımlılık Dergisi. 2021;22(3):218–25. 10.51982/bagimli.880452 . Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK). Çocuklarda bilişim teknolojileri kullanım araştırması 2024. 2024. Available from: https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Cocuklarda-Bilisim-Teknolojileri-Kullanim-Arastirmasi-2024-53638 Şahin M, Keskin S, Yurdugül H. Impact of family support and perception of loneliness on game addiction analysis of a mediation and moderation. Int J Game-Based Learn. 2019;9(4):15–30. Nunnally J, Bernstein I. Psychometric Theory. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1994. Tavakol M, Dennick R. Making sense of Cronbach's alpha. Int J Med Educ. 2011;2:53. 10.5116/ijme.4dfb.8dfd . Rydell AM, Thorell LB, Bohlin G. Emotion regulation in relation to social functioning: An investigation of child self-reports. Eur J Dev Psychol. 2007;4(3):293–313. 10.1080/17405620600783526 . Rydell AM, Berlin L, Bohlin G. Emotionality, emotion regulation, and adaptation among 5- to 8-year-old children. Emotion. 2003;3(1):30–47. 10.1037/1528-3542.3.1.30 . Tatlı Harmancı S, Güngör Aytar A. Çocuklar için Duygu Düzenleme Ölçeği Çocuk Formu (ÇDDÖ) ve Yetişkin Formunun (ÇDDÖ-YF) Türkçeye Uyarlanması. Milli Eğitim Dergisi. 2023;52(237):71–106. 10.37669/milliegitim.1072215 . Şimşek E, Karakuş Yılmaz T. Türkiye’de yürütülen dijital oyun bağımlılığı çalışmalarındaki yöntem ve sonuçların sistematik incelemesi. Kastamonu Educ J. 2020;28(4):1851–66. 10.24106/kefdergi.3920 . Atabay M, Şimşek M, Güllüoğlu K, Erdoğdu F. Ortaokul öğrencilerinin dijital oyun oynama alışkanlıklarının oyun bağımlılıkları ve çeşitli demografikler açısından karşılaştırılması. Int J Computers Educ. 2023;6(1):30–46. Temur İ, Özçakır Sümen Ö. İlkokul dördüncü sınıf öğrencilerinin dijital oyun bağımlılığı ile matematiksel problem çözme ve matematik başarıları arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi. Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi. SBE Dergisi. 2025;15(2):1138–56. 10.30783/nevsosbilen.1521272 . Meng SQ, Cheng JL, Li YY, Yang XQ, Zheng JW, Chang XW, Shi Y, Chen Y, Lu L, Sun Y, Bao YP, Shi J. Global prevalence of digital addiction in general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2022;92:102128. Boz C, Dinç M. Examination of game addiction studies conducted in Turkey: A systematic review study. Front Psychiatry. 2023;14:1014621. 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1014621 . Sussman CJ, Harper JM, Stahl JL, Weigle P. Internet and video game addictions: diagnosis, epidemiology, and neurobiology. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2018;27(2):307–26. 10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.015 . Aydoğdu F. Dijital oyun oynayan çocukların dijital oyun bağımlılıklarının çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi. Ulakbilge Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2018;6(31):1–18. Balıkçı R. Çocuklarda ve ergenlerde çevrimiçi oyun bağımlılığı ve agresif davranışlar arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi [Yüksek lisans tezi]. İstanbul: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2018. Gökçearslan Ş, Durakoğlu A. Ortaokul öğrencilerinin bilgisayar oyunu bağımlılık düzeylerinin çeşitli değişkenlere göre incelenmesi. Dicle Üniversitesi Ziya Gökalp Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2014;23(14):419–35. Lee GL, Morgan H. Understanding children’s attraction toward digital games and preventing their gaming addiction. US-China Educ Rev A. 2018;8(1):11–7. Kardefelt-Winther D. A conceptual and methodological critique of internet addiction research: Towards a model of compensatory internet use. Comput Hum Behav. 2014;31:351–4. 10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.059 . Estupiñá FJ, Bernaldo-de-Quirós M, Vallejo-Achón M, Fernández-Arias I, Labrador F. Emotional regulation in gaming disorder: a systematic review. Am J Addictions. 2024;33(6):605–20. 10.1111/ajad.13621 . Lin PY, Lin HC, Lin PC, Yen JY, Ko CH. The association between Emotional Regulation and Internet Gaming Disorder. Psychiatry Res. 2020;289:113060. 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113060 . Marchica LA, Mills DJ, Derevensky JL, Montreuil TC. The role of emotion regulation in video gaming and gambling disorder: A systematic review. Can J Addict. 2019;10(4):19–29. 10.1097/CXA.0000000000000070 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files STROBEchecklistSchoolSKCataldas.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 02 Jan, 2026 Reviews received at journal 04 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 29 Sep, 2025 Reviews received at journal 24 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 21 Sep, 2025 Reviews received at journal 20 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 16 Sep, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 15 Sep, 2025 Editor invited by journal 21 Aug, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 18 Aug, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 18 Aug, 2025 First submitted to journal 17 Aug, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Digital game addiction, characterized by excessive or compulsive use of games that interferes with daily functioning, has been associated with a range of developmental, psychological, and behavioral challenges in children [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Recent literature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] indicates that disregulation in emotional regulation skills is critical in developing and persisting digital game addiction. Emotional regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence their emotions, emotional experiences, and emotional expressions. Effective emotional regulation empowers individuals to cope with stress and behave appropriately across different situations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. It involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions through various strategies. This skill significantly influences children's social and cognitive development by shaping their interactions with peers and adults [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies have demonstrated that teenagers who struggle with emotion regulation are at a heightened risk for developing addictive behaviors related to digital games, with implications for both psychological and social well-being [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren may use digital games as a maladaptive coping strategy to deal with negative emotions and emotional dysregulation. The sense of escape and mood alteration provided by gaming can reinforce addictive behavior [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Specifically, children often use video games as a coping mechanism to escape negative emotions or stressors, as they may find the virtual environments provide a sense of control and social interaction that they lack in real life [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. The inability to effectively regulate emotions can exacerbate reliance on digital games, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction where online gaming serves as both a refuge from emotional distress and a contributor to the escalation of behavioral issues [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Bağatarhan [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that self-regulation mediates the relationship between digital game addiction tendencies and social competence in preschool children, suggesting that early regulatory skills are foundational in shaping healthy technology use. Emotional autonomy and emotion regulation jointly predicted game addiction severity in adolescents, indicating a developmental continuity in these mechanisms across age groups [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. While previous research has predominantly focused on adolescents as a high-risk group for digital game addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], recent trends highlight a growing concern for younger children. According to the 2024 report by the Turkish Statistical Institute (T\u0026Uuml;İK), internet use among children aged 6\u0026ndash;15 rose from 82.7% in 2021 to 91.3% in 2024, with 97.4% of these children reporting regular internet usag [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, 74% of children in this age group reported playing digital games, and a striking 90.8% indicated they play digital games regularly [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Younger school-aged children (8\u0026ndash;10 years) are critical, as this age marks a transitional period where children begin to navigate more complex emotional and social environments, often through digital platforms. However, there is a relative paucity of research focused specifically on this age group living in T\u0026uuml;rkiye. Considering the cultural and social specificities of parenting, education, and media exposure in T\u0026uuml;rkiye, a deeper understanding of how emotion regulation capacities influence the risk of digital game addiction in Turkish children is both timely and essential.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to address this gap by investigating the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8\u0026ndash;10 in T\u0026uuml;rkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearch Questions\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs there a relationship between emotion regulation skills and the level of digital game addiction in children aged 8\u0026ndash;10?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo emotion regulation skills predict the level of digital game addiction in children aged 8\u0026ndash;10?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStudy Design\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. It was reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines (see Supplementary File 1).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticipants\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study population consisted of 3rd and 4th-grade students attending public primary school affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the central district of Istanbul during the 2024\u0026ndash;2025 academic year. Inclusion criterias for the study were (i) Aged between 8 and 10 years and enrolled in the 3rd or 4th grade (ii) Having no visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments, (iii) Being able to read and write, (iiii) Having parental consent to participate in the study, (iiiii) Providing consent to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria from the study were (i) Inability to read and write, (ii) Lack of proficiency in Turkish, and (iii) not volunteering to participate. The sample group included 3rd and 4th-grade students enrolled in one selected primary school. The study sample was determined using a non-probability sampling method. The primary education division of the school comprised 672 students in total, with 336 enrolled in the 3rd and 4th grades. All eligible students were invited to participate in the study. Following the acquisition of informed consent from the students and their parents, 258 students were included in the final sample.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Collection Process\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData for this study were collected between March 14 and 28, 2025, during the 2024\u0026ndash;2025 academic year. The data collection process was conducted by the researchers within the school setting where the participating students were enrolled, at times deemed appropriate by the school administration. Parental informed consent was obtained via printed consent forms that were sent home with the students. Only those students whose parents provided written consent were included in the study. Prior to the administration of the data collection instruments, students were informed about the study\u0026rsquo;s purpose and content. Emphasis was placed on the principles of voluntariness and confidentiality, and any questions raised by the students were answered comprehensively. The data collection process took approximately 15 minutes per student.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstruments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSociodemographic Form\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe researchers developed a sociodemographic information form to gather data on participants\u0026rsquo; gender, age, number of siblings, parental education levels, and average daily duration of technological device use.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDigital Game Addiction Scale for Children\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children was developed by Şahin, Keskin, and Yurdug\u0026uuml;l [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] and comprises six items under a unidimensional (single-factor) structure. The original study reported a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of .78. Given that both the structural reliability (.89) and internal consistency coefficient (.78) exceed the commonly accepted threshold of .70, the scale is considered a valid and reliable instrument for measuring digital game addiction. The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from \"Not at all true of me\" to \"Totally true of me\". Total scores range from 5 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater tendencies toward digital game addiction. In the present study, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as .63. Although this value falls below the conventional cutoff of .70 for acceptable internal consistency [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e], it may still be considered acceptable in the context of exploratory research, particularly in studies involving newly developed or culturally adapted instruments and constructs that are inherently complex or multidimensional [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEmotion Regulation Scale for Children – Self-Report Form\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Emotion Regulation Scale for Children \u0026ndash; Self-Report Form was developed by Rydell, Berlin-Thorell, and Bohlin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], based on the idea that children are capable of self-assessing their emotional regulation skills. The scale items were adapted from the \"Emotion Regulation Checklist \u0026ndash; Adult Form\" developed earlier by Rydell, Berlin, and Bohlin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], which was designed to assess children's emotional regulation from the caregivers' perspective. The scale consists of 29 items covering four subdimensions: anger (9 items), excitement (5 items), fear (8 items), and sadness (7 items). It is a four-point Likert scale with response options ranging from \"Not at all true of me\" to \"Completely true of me.\" Higher total scores indicate higher levels of emotional regulation. Some items are reverse-scored (e.g., Anger items 2 and 9; Excitement items 4 and 5; Fear items 3, 6, and 7). The Turkish adaptation and validation of the scale were conducted by Harmancı and G\u0026uuml;ng\u0026ouml;r Aytar [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. The original version demonstrated good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85. In the current study, the Cronbach's alpha was calculated as .81, indicating high internal reliability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28. Descriptive statistics\u0026mdash;including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage\u0026mdash;were calculated to summarize participants\u0026rsquo; sociodemographic characteristics, levels of digital game addiction, and emotion regulation skills. To evaluate the normality of the data distribution, skewness and kurtosis values were examined. Based on the distribution of the data, the relationship between digital game addiction and emotion regulation skills was analyzed using Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficient for normally distributed data. Group differences in digital game addiction and emotion regulation scores across sociodemographic variables were examined using independent samples t-tests or one-way ANOVA, depending on the number of comparison groups. Post hoc comparisons were performed using Tukey\u0026rsquo;s HSD test for homogenous variances and the Games-Howell test when variances were unequal. In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the predictive role of emotion regulation skills on the likelihood of digital game addiction. The statistical significance was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEthical Issues\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e The study was conducted using the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Before data collection, ethical approval was obtained from the XXX University Committee on Human Research (approval number: 2024.455.IRB3.200). The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education also granted official permission to conduct the research in the public primary school where the study was conducted. Informed consent was obtained from all children and parents. In addition, permission was obtained via e-mail from the owner of the scales used.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eParticipant characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe mean age of the children in this study was 9.2 years (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.0). The majority were female (50.8%). Most participants were in the 4th grade (54.7%) and reported having three siblings (32.9%). The most common household size was five members (32.9%). Regarding parental education, the most frequently reported level for mothers was university education (21.3%), and for fathers, secondary school education (19.8%). In terms of daily technology use, the largest group used technology for 1\u0026ndash;2 hours per day (32.2%). The primary purpose of technology use was relaxation (75.2%) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGroup Comparisons for Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Digital Game Addiction Scores\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e also shows the mean scale scores based on variables. A significant difference was observed regarding mothers\u0026rsquo; education level: children whose mothers were high school graduates scored significantly higher on the fear subdimension compared to those whose mothers had completed only primary school. Similarly, children of literate mothers had higher fear scores than those whose mothers\u0026rsquo; education level was unknown (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01). In terms of technology use, children who used technology for more than 4 hours per day had significantly lower scores on the anger subdimension compared to those with shorter daily usage durations (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01). Post-hoc comparisons using the Tukey test revealed that children who reported no technology use or used it for 0\u0026ndash;1 hour, 1\u0026ndash;2 hours or 2\u0026ndash;3 hours per day had significantly lower scores on the digital game addiction scale compared to those who used technology for 3\u0026ndash;4 hours or more than 4 hours daily (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001). One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in mean digital game addiction scores based on the number of siblings, F(5, 252)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.48, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.032. However, post-hoc comparisons using the Games-Howell test showed that the pairwise differences between groups were not statistically significant (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipant Characteristics and Group Comparisons for Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Digital Game Addiction Scores (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;258)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003en (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean \u0026plusmn; (SD)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e258 (100)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnger\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eX̄ \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExcitement\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eX̄ \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFear\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eX̄ \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSadness\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eX̄ \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDigital game addiction\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eX̄ \u0026plusmn; SD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e131 (50.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e127 (49.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.036\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.676\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-1.941\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.667\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-1.709\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.944\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.423\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.349\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.144\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.089\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClass\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e117 (45.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141 (54.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.95\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.318\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.731\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.453\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.071\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-1.053\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.589\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.845\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.531\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.821\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.293\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal number of siblings (including the respondent)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly me\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 (3.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13,50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84 (32.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13,00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85 (32.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13,56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13,19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27 (10.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15,88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 or more\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (4.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16,29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.908\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.161\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.634\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.512\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.477\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.976\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.674\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.187\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.032*\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of people living in the household (including the respondent)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 (5.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76 (29.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85 (32.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 and more\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82 (31.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.555\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.477\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.982\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.722\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.498\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.645\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.699\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.117\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.540\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.684\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level of mother\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLiterate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26 (10.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5 \u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eprimary school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (20.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0 \u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esecondary school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (14)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.65\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.5 \u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ehigh school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6 \u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUniversity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55 (21.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2 \u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emaster's or doctorate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19 (7.4)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6 \u003csup\u003eabc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnknown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29 (11.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.278\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.421\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.136\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.587\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.376\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.268\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.865\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.741\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.225\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level of father\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eliterate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (8.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eprimary school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39 (15.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003esecondary school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51 (19.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ehigh school\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41 (15.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003euniversity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48 (18.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003emaster's or doctorate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24 (9.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnknown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33 (12.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.330\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.241\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.856\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.632\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.576\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.921\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.286\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.089\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.705\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.749\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDuration of technology use\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNever\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16 (6.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.3 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;1 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80(31)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83 (32.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;3 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(13.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.6 \u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25(9.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9 \u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.3\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;4 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20(7.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.1 \u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.8 \u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.086\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.668\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.301\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.183\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.143\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.264\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.318\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe purpose of technology use\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRelaxation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e194 (75.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLearning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e177 (68.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunication\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100 (38.8)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159 (61.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eListening to Music\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e135 (52.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking Photos and Videos\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105 (40.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing Social Media\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38 (14.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShopping\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36 (14)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05. t: t test F: One-Way Analysis of Variance. * Post hoc-Tukey's (honestly significant difference) *there is no significant difference between those with the same letter\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRelationship Between Participants\u0026rsquo; Digital Game Addiction and Emotion Regulation Subdimensions Scores\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe relationship between digital game addiction and the subdimensions of the emotion regulation skill scale is shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between digital game addiction and all subdimensions of emotional regulation. Specifically, a moderate negative correlation was found with anger (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.428, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001) while low to moderate negative correlations were observed with excitement (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.319, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001). fear (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.242. p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001). and sadness (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.271. p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Relationship Between Participants\u0026rsquo; Digital Game Addiction and the Anger, Excitement, Fear, and Sadness Subdimensions of the Emotion Regulation Skill Scale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDigital Game Addiction\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnger\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExcitement\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFear\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSadness\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003er\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.452\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.338\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.267\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.257\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003ePearson correlation\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e3.4. Predictors of Emotion Regulation Subdimensions and Duration of Technological Use on The Likelihood of Digital Game Addiction\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictive role of emotion regulation subscales and the duration of daily technology use on digital game addiction (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The overall model was statistically significant, χ\u0026sup2;(9)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;60.35, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001, indicating that the predictors significantly differentiated individuals with and without addiction. The model accounted for approximately 27.9% of the variance in the dependent variable (Nagelkerke R\u0026sup2; = .279) and correctly classified 69.0% of the cases.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong the subscales of emotion regulation, both anger (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.87, 95% CI [0.80, 0.95], p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001) and excitement (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.83, 95% CI [0.74, 0.95], p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.003) were significant negative predictors of addiction. In contrast, fear and sadness subscales were not statistically significant predictors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding technology use, only those who reported using technology for 3\u0026ndash;4 hours per day had significantly higher odds of digital game addiction compared to non-users (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9.26, 95% CI [1.89, 45.38], p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.006). Other usage categories were not statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLogistic Regression Model Predicting Digital Game Addiction Using Emotion Regulation Skill Subdimensions and Daily Technology Use (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;258)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWald χ\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOR (Exp(B))\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95% CI for OR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnger\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.138\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.039\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.80. 0.95]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExcitement\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.060\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.003\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.74. 0.95]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFear\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.019\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.606\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.91. 1.06]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSadness\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.030\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.459\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.95. 1.12]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnology use: 0\u0026ndash;1 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.271\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.621\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.663\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.39. 4.35]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnology use: 1\u0026ndash;2 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.473\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.621\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.446\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.47. 5.42]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnology use: 2\u0026ndash;3 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.208\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.692\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.081\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.86. 13.03]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnology use: 3\u0026ndash;4 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.226\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.817\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.006\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[1.89. 45.38]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnology use: \u0026gt;4 hr/day\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.252\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.842\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.137\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e[0.65. 18.71]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eConstant\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.307\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.244\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eNote: Reference category: \"No technology use\". OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Odds Ratio; CI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Confidence Interval. Nagelkerke R\u0026sup2; indicates that approximately 28% of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by the model. Nagelkerke R\u0026sup2;: .279\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8 to 10 in T\u0026uuml;rkiye. Most of studies in the literature revealed that digital game addiction has predominantly been studied among middle and high school students [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, this study addressed a gap in the literature by focusing on a sample of this age group.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDigital Game Addiction and Sociodemographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe initial findings revealed that digital game addiction scores did not significantly differ according to age, gender, grade level, number of siblings, or parental education levels. However, previous studies has consistently shown that male students are more prone to gaming addiction than female students [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. A systematic review by Meng et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] also found higher rates of game addiction among males in the general population. Similarly, a T\u0026uuml;rkiye-based review concluded that male students tend to exhibit higher levels of gaming addiction compared to females [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. These findings were not aligned with current outcomes, which did not reveal significant gender differences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn terms of daily technology use, 63.2% of the children in our sample reported using technology for 0\u0026ndash;2 hours per day, while 17.5% used it for three or more hours. According to Sussman et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e], the average daily screen time for children aged 8\u0026ndash;12 exceeds 4.5 hours, including usage of various devices such as TVs, smartphones, computers, and gaming platforms. Consistent with the literature, our study showed that children who used technology for longer durations had significantly higher digital game addiction scores. Atabay et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] similarly reported that increased gaming duration was associated with a higher risk of addiction among middle school students. Furthermore, Temur and \u0026Ouml;z\u0026ccedil;akır S\u0026uuml;men [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] also demonstrated a significant positive correlation between gaming duration and addiction levels in fourth-grade students.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere were no significant relationship found between the parental education level and digital game addiction in our study. This finding was in line with prior research by Aydoğdu [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e] and Temur \u0026amp; \u0026Ouml;z\u0026ccedil;akır S\u0026uuml;men [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. However, there are some contrasting findings that report a positive association between higher parental education levels and increased digital game addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Similarly, parents with higher education were found to unknowingly enable excessive gaming behavior in children [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEmotion Regulation and Sociodemographic Characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, it was found that children who used technology for more than four hours per day had significantly lower scores on the anger subdimension compared to those who used it for shorter durations (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01). This result may imply that children who has difficulties in regulating their anger effectively may be more inclined to engage in prolonged daily technology use as a coping mechanism. Previous studies have also found that children with digital game addiction are more likely to display aggressive behaviors [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRelationship Between Emotion Regulation and Digital Game Addiction\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur study found statistical negative correlations between digital game addiction and all subdimensions of emotion regulation. A binary logistic regression model showed that the anger and excitement subdimensions, along with 3\u0026ndash;4 hours of daily technology use, together predicted approximately 27% of the variance in digital game addiction. These findings suggest that children with lower emotion regulation skills\u0026mdash;particularly those who struggle with anger and excitement\u0026mdash;may be more vulnerable to digital game addiction. According to the Compensatory Internet Use Theory [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e], individuals may engage in excessive digital activities, such as gaming, as a way to escape or regulate negative emotional states. In this context, digital games can serve as a coping mechanism for children who cannot effectively express or manage their emotions. Children who struggle to regulate anger may turn to digital games as a means of emotional suppression or catharsis, particularly when these games provide experiences of control, dominance, or power\u0026mdash;elements often missing in their interpersonal environments. This behavioral pattern is aligned with findings from adolescent studies which indicates dysfunctional emotion regulation significantly predicts digital game addiction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, the role of excitement which was found to be a predictor of addiction, also offers insights into the reward-related mechanisms of digital games. Digital games typically involve rapid feedback loops, high arousal, and reward-based mechanics. These features may especially attract children who experience difficulty in managing intense emotional stimulation. In this regard, gaming may temporarily satisfy a child's need for stimulation or novelty that they are otherwise unable to regulate.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsistent with our findings, a systematic review by Estupi\u0026ntilde;\u0026aacute; et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] emphasized that digital games often avoid or suppress emotional discomfort. Likewise, a study by Lin et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that adults with internet gaming disorder had significantly lower scores on emotional adjustment, the regulation strategy most strongly associated with gaming addiction. Supporting this, a meta-analysis by Marchica et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] reported that over 90% of studies found poorer emotion regulation to be associated with more severe symptoms of gaming or gambling disorder, with many showing medium to large effect sizes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study found that lower regulation of anger and excitement significantly increases the risk of digital game addiction, particularly among children who use technology for more than three hours a day. These findings underscore the importance of professionals working with children in early identification of those at risk, assessment of emotional regulation skills, and implementation of interventions—such as therapeutic play—to foster adaptive emotional expression. Digital game addiction may lead to social withdrawal, aggressive responses when gaming is interrupted, and reduced opportunities for peer interaction, potentially hindering social and emotional development. Strengthening emotional regulation through targeted interventions offers a promising strategy to enhance social adaptation and reduce addictive behaviors. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating structured programs that address emotional regulation as a core component in preventing and managing digital game addiction.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Limitations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study has several limitations. First, the study’s design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between emotion regulation and digital game addiction. Second, the sample was drawn from a single school in one geographic location, which limits the generalizability of the results to broader populations. Third, all data were collected through self-report measures completed by children, which may introduce response biases such as social desirability or inaccurate self-assessment.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted using the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Before data collection, ethical approval was obtained from the Koç University Committee on Human Research (approval number: 2024.455.IRB3.200). The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education also granted official permission to conduct the research in the public primary school where the study was conducted. Informed consent was obtained from all children and parents. In addition, permission was obtained via e-mail from the owner of the scales used.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicaple\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe corresponding author could provide all of the datasets that were utilized and analyzed during the research upon request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that there were no funds for this study\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors' contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conceptualization of the study was undertaken by Seda Karakaya Çataldaş (SKÇ) and Seda Güney (SG). Data curation was carried out collaboratively by SKÇ, SG, and Aleyna Özkan (AÖ). Formal analysis was performed by SKÇ, while the investigation process involved SKÇ, SG, and AÖ. The methodology was developed by SKÇ and SG, and supervision was jointly provided by SKÇ and SG. Visualization of the study findings was prepared by SKÇ, SG, and AÖ. The original draft of the manuscript was written by SKÇ, SG, and AÖ, and the review and editing were completed by SKÇ.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicaple\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eŞenol Y, Şenol FB, Can Yaşar M. Digital game addiction of preschool children in the Covid-19 pandemic: social emotional development and parental guidance. 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Can J Addict. 2019;10(4):19\u0026ndash;29. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1097/CXA.0000000000000070\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1097/CXA.0000000000000070\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"psyo","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Psychology](http://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"BMC Psychology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Emotional Regulation Skills, Digital Game Addiction, Children Aged 8–10","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7392297/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7392297/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDigital game addiction is an emerging concern in children, with emotional regulation skills identified as a potential protective factor. But, evidence for younger school-aged children is limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of emotional regulation skills on digital game addiction in children aged 8–10 in Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA descriptive cross-sectional design was used with 258 third- and fourth-grade students from a public primary school in Istanbul. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children, and the Emotion Regulation Scale for Children – Self-Report Form. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLower regulation of anger and excitement was significantly associated with higher levels of digital game addiction. Logistic regression analysis indicated that both anger (OR = 0.87, p \u0026lt; .001) and excitement (OR = 0.83, p = .003) were significant negative predictors of addiction risk. Children who used technology for 3–4 hours per day had significantly greater odds of addiction compared to non-users (OR = 9.26, p = .006). The overall model explained 27.9% of the variance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmotion regulation skills—particularly the ability to manage anger and excitement—play a critical role in digital game addiction among children. Professionals working with children should prioritize early screening for emotional regulation difficulties and consider implementing interventions, such as therapeutic play, to promote adaptive emotional expression. Strengthening these skills may enhance social adaptation and reduce the likelihood of addictive gaming behaviors.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Effect of Emotional Regulation Skills on Digital Game Addiction in Children Aged 8- 10 in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-23 14:15:49","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7392297/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-01-02T14:28:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-04T12:30:36+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-30T01:39:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-24T14:56:01+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"256450560609521501793427626442788641395","date":"2025-09-22T13:25:44+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"70828943426314236991947438132541468480","date":"2025-09-21T19:18:51+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-09-20T05:36:32+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"294529231532492904953936474049576472904","date":"2025-09-16T04:55:55+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"121773649151462876016253931755562334718","date":"2025-09-16T03:08:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-15T13:25:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-21T08:11:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-08-18T23:24:13+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-08-18T23:23:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Psychology","date":"2025-08-17T12:15:16+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"psyo","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Psychology](http://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"BMC Psychology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"fa52d027-94af-4298-ad11-1453feeaf76a","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 23rd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-29T18:53:16+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-23 14:15:49","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7392297","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7392297","identity":"rs-7392297","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}