Electronic Game Addiction as a Predictor of Mind-Wandering among Preparatory Stage Students with Specific Learning Disorders: A Psychometric-Clinical Study

This study aimed to explore the correlation between electronic game addiction and mind-wandering among preparatory stage students with specific learning disorders, and examine the percentage of contribution of electronic game addiction dimensions in predicting mind-wandering, and to identify the personality dynamics and psychological structure of the most addicted case from a clinical perspective. The study sample consisted of (155) male and female students with specific learning disorders, while the clinical study sample included one male case identified as the most addicted to electronic games. The study instruments included the electronic game addiction scale, the mind-wandering scale (developed by the researcher), Cattell's General Factor Test – third scale, form (B), translated and standardized . In addition to the clinical instruments, which included: a personal interview form, the Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T.), and the Reference Activity Scales . The study results showed that there is a statistically significant positive correlation at the 0.01 level between electronic game addiction (with its dimensions) and mind-wandering (with its dimensions). There is also a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of males and females on the Electronic Game Addiction Scale (with its dimensions) and the Mind-Wandering Scale (with its dimensions), favoring males. The model comprising the dimensions of electronic game addiction (withdrawal, compulsive use, and related problems) was the most predictive and significant in explaining mind-wandering among preparatory stage students with specific learning disorders. The withdrawal variable came as the most predictive variable for mind-wandering at a rate of (46%).