When emotional support becomes the game-changer: How fitness and sports instructors emotional support influence the mitigation of internet gaming addiction in E-sports among university students

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Joseph Lobo

College of Sports, Exercise, and Recreation, Bulacan State University, Philippines

Citation

Lobo, J. (2025). When emotional support becomes the game-changer: How fitness and sports instructors emotional support influence the mitigation of internet gaming addiction in E-sports among university students. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 56(2), 179-200. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2025.56.179

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between perceived emotional support from instructors and internet gaming addiction among 235 university students in the Philippines. The research utilized the Instructor’s Emotional Support Scale and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) to assess the variables. The findings showed that students who perceived higher levels of emotional support from their instructors reported lower levels of gaming addiction. Regression analyses further confirmed that instructor emotional support and its components strongly predicted reduced gaming addiction. These results highlight the importance of fostering supportive instructor-student interactions to mitigate gaming addiction and promote healthier academic behaviors. Future studies are recommended to explore these findings in different cultural and educational contexts to guide effective interventions and policies that create supportive learning environments.

Keywords: Internet Gaming Addiction, Instructor Emotional Support, Positive Climate, Instructor’s Sensitivity, Regard to Adult Perspective

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