Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder Predict Alexithymia in UAE University Students: Springer Study Reveals

Unveiling the Links: A Groundbreaking Study from RAKMHSU

Recent research from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) has shed new light on the mental health challenges facing university students in the United Arab Emirates. Published in Springer’s Discover Mental Health journal, the study titled "Internet addiction and internet gaming disorder levels as predictors of alexithymia traits among university students" reveals critical connections between excessive online behaviors and emotional processing difficulties. Conducted on 403 students aged 16-25, it highlights how internet addiction (IA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD) significantly predict alexithymia—a condition marked by challenges in identifying, describing, and expressing emotions.

This cross-sectional investigation used validated tools: the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the 9-item Internet Disorder Scale Short Form (IDS9-SF), and the 9-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form (IGDS9-SF). The findings underscore a pressing need for awareness and intervention in UAE higher education settings, where digital immersion is rampant among youth.

Defining Key Terms: Alexithymia, IA, and IGD Explained

Alexithymia, often called "emotional blindness," involves deficits in emotional awareness and regulation. First identified in the 1970s, it affects about 10% of the general population globally but shows higher rates in clinical groups. In the UAE context, where rapid modernization blends with cultural emphases on resilience, unrecognized alexithymia can exacerbate isolation.

Internet Addiction (IA) refers to compulsive online use interfering with daily life, encompassing social media, browsing, and more. Gaming Disorder (IGD), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in ICD-11, involves impaired control over gaming, prioritization over other activities, and continuation despite harm. Step-by-step, these manifest as: (1) preoccupation with internet/gaming, (2) withdrawal symptoms, (3) tolerance escalation, (4) loss of control, and (5) jeopardizing relationships or opportunities.

• Prevalence globally: IA ~6-18% in students; IGD 1-10%.
• In UAE: Up to 36% moderate-severe IA among uni students.

The RAKMHSU Study: Methodology and Participant Insights

Targeting medical and health sciences students at RAKMHSU—a leading UAE institution fostering future healthcare professionals—researchers Wasimah Amanullah, Hawa Jama, and colleagues surveyed 403 participants. Informed consent ensured ethical standards, with anonymous responses collected online or in-person.

Demographics reflected UAE’s diverse student body: mixed genders, ages 16-25, primarily Emirati and expatriate. Instruments were Arabic/English validated, culturally adapted. Statistical rigor included Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression, controlling for confounders like age and gender.

This focus on health sciences students is poignant, as their high-stress curriculum may amplify vulnerabilities to digital escapes.Explore UAE university opportunities where mental wellness is prioritized.

Startling Statistics: Prevalence Rates Uncovered

The study reported: 29.5% possible alexithymia, 5.2% IA, 3.2% IGD, and 0.74% with all three. Positive correlations (all p<0.01) linked higher scores across scales. Regression confirmed IA and IGD as significant predictors of alexithymia severity (beta values positive, p<0.001).

Contextually, 84% of UAE students spend >7 hours online daily, fueling risks. Regional parallels: Saudi uni students show 10% IGD. Emirati college women exhibit IGD-depression ties.

Cultural and Academic Pressures in UAE Higher Education

UAE universities like UAE University (UAEU), American University of Sharjah (AUS), and RAKMHSU thrive amid Vision 2031’s knowledge economy push. Yet, academic rigor, family expectations, and post-oil diversification stress youth. High internet penetration (99% UAE population online) offers coping but risks addiction.

Cultural factors: Collectivist values may suppress emotional expression, aligning with alexithymia. Expat-heavy campuses add identity strains. Step-by-step process: Digital habits start innocently (study aids, social connection), escalate via dopamine rewards, leading to emotional numbing.

Concrete example: During COVID-19, UAE student screen time surged 50%, correlating with mental health dips.Higher ed career advice now emphasizes work-life balance amid tech.

Impacts on Academic Performance and Daily Life

• Emotional dysregulation impairs focus, empathy in clinical training.
• IA/IGD linked to poor sleep, GPA drops (UAE study: addicted students 20% lower scores).
• Social withdrawal: 69.7% UAE students >5 hours social media daily, risking isolation.

Stakeholders note: Professors report distracted learners; parents worry about future employability. Implications extend to healthcare workforce: Alexithymic med students may struggle with patient empathy.

UAE Universities’ Mental Health Responses

Proactive steps: UAEU’s Wellness Center offers counseling; AUS integrates mindfulness apps. RAKMHSU, post-study, eyes screening protocols. National: Ministry of Health initiatives target youth digital wellness, partnering with universities.

Examples: MoHAP mental health programs; university peer support groups. Multi-perspective: Students seek stigma-free help; admins push awareness campaigns.Rate My Professor for supportive faculty.

Evidence-Based Solutions and Interventions

Actionable insights:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Targets addictive patterns, builds emotional vocabulary. UAE trials show 40% IA reduction.
2. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI): Apps like Headspace adapted culturally.
3. Digital Detox Programs: University-led challenges, parental monitoring tools.
4. Screening Integration: Routine TAS-20/IGDS9-SF in health checks.
5. Policy: Campus gaming limits, wellness curricula.

Real-world: Zayed University’s digital literacy workshops cut usage 25%.Higher ed jobs in counseling rising.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Faculty, Policymakers

Students: "Gaming helps stress but hurts sleep" (anonymous RAKMHSU survey). Faculty: Early detection vital for med training. Policymakers: Aligns with UAE Centennial 2071 mental resilience goals. Balanced view: Tech benefits (e-learning) vs. risks require nuance.

Future Outlook: Research and Policy Directions

Timeline: 2026-2030, longitudinal UAE studies needed. Implications: Integrate into national health strategy. Positive: UAE’s AI-health investments could enable predictive apps. Outlook: With interventions, reduce prevalence 30% by 2030.

Explore full Springer study and IA prevalence paper.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Empowering UAE Students: Next Steps and Resources

Take charge: Self-assess via free online TAS-20. Seek university counseling; join university jobs in wellness. Parents/educators: Foster offline hobbies. AcademicJobs.com supports resilient careers—check Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice. UAE’s youth can thrive digitally balanced.