Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Ideation in the Digital Age: A Study of Gaming-Addicted Adolescents in Tripura, India

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital gaming among adolescents has raised increasing concerns regarding its psychological consequences, particularly when gaming becomes addictive. Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been associated with emotional distress and suicidal ideation, yet the cognitive mechanisms underlying this association remain insufficiently explored. The present study investigates the role of cognitive distortions as predictors of suicidal ideation among gaming-addicted adolescents. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 100 adolescents aged 13–18 years who reported problematic gaming behavior. Standardized measures assessing internet gaming disorder, cognitive distortions, and suicidal ideation were administered. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between cognitive distortions and suicidal ideation. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated that cognitive distortions significantly predicted suicidal ideation even after controlling for gaming addiction severity. The findings highlight maladaptive cognitive processing as a critical psychological vulnerability factor among gaming-addicted adolescents and underscore the need to integrate cognitive and mental health components within informatics education and digital well-being initiatives.