Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Gaming Disorder Test among children and youth and assessment of contribution of gaming-specific cognitions to gaming disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a Turkish version of the 4-item Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), a brief, standardized instrument used to assess GD based on the World Health Organization diagnostic framework. Method: A total of 606 young participants, aged 11-18 years, were recruited for this study through an online survey. The scale's validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha coefficient calculation and test-retest analysis were used to determine the scale's internal and time-dependent reliability. Multiple regression analysis was also performed to determine the predictive power of cognitions in GD. Results: EFA and CFA analyses yielded a unidimensional factor structure with adequate psychometric properties for the Turkish version of the scale, which was consistent with the original. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient value of 0.84 indicated that the scale was reliable and time-dependent invariance of the scale was proven using test-retest analysis. Maladaptive cognitions related to overvaluing gaming rewards, maladaptive and inflexible rules about gaming, and gaming for social identity were found to be associated with GD. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the 4-item GDT has sound psychometric properties and may be used as a valid and reliable tool to assess the symptoms and prevalence of GD among adolescents in Turkey.