Cognitive Dynamics of Game Addiction: Intersections of Decision-Making Processes and Affect Balance within Islamic Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the cognitive dynamics of game addiction, focusing on the interplay between decision making processes and affect balance, and explored these relationships within an Islamic psychological framework. Using a cross sectional design, N = 128 participants (62.5% male, 37.5% female) completed validated scales assessing game addiction, decision making performance, and affect balance. Descriptive analyses indicated moderate average levels of game addiction (M = 31.84, SD = 6.42), above midpoint decision making scores (M = 73.56, SD = 8.21), and slightly positive affect balance (M = 13.04, SD = 4.18). Pearson correlations showed that game addiction was negatively related to both decision making (r = −.45, p < .001) and affect balance (r = −.39, p < .001), while decision making and affect balance were positively associated (r = .51, p < .001). Mediation analysis revealed that affect balance partially mediated the effect of game addiction on decision making (indirect effect B = −0.15, 95% CI [−0.26, −0.06]), consistent with affect cognition interaction models (Fredrickson, 2001). Moderation analyses demonstrated that gender, birth order, and family system significantly conditioned this relationship: the negative slope was steeper for males than females (Binteraction = −0.23, p = .004), for middle borns relative to first  or last borns (Binteraction = 0.27, p = .003), and for nuclear family participants compared to those from joint families (Binteraction = 0.31, p = .002). Within an Islamic perspective, these findings align with principles of ʿaql (intellect), wasatiyyah (moderation), and sakīnah (tranquility), which emphasize balanced living, rational self-governance, and emotional regulation (Rothman & Coyle, 2018). The results suggest that interventions should integrate cognitive skill training and affect balance enhancement, while also accounting for sociocultural moderators such as gender roles, sibling dynamics, and family structure. This dual pathway approach may be particularly effective in preventing decision making impairments linked to behavioral addictions, thereby supporting both psychological wellbeing and spiritual health.