Examining the associations between self-efficacy, peer influence, and impulsivity and internet gaming disorder among emerging adult multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) players in Malaysia

Chan, Zi Yuan and Lim, Wen Yan and Tan, Yun Lin (2026) Examining the associations between self-efficacy, peer influence, and impulsivity and internet gaming disorder among emerging adult multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) players in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

Online gaming has grown to be a significant source of digital leisure, while youths are becoming increasingly concerned about Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Among the several game genres, youths are increasingly drawn to Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Honor of Kings. Through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the purpose of the current study is to examine the association of self-efficacy, impulsivity, and peer influence on Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among MOBA players who are emerging adults in Malaysia. A non-probability purposive sampling method was utilised to collect data from 178 emerging adult MOBA players in Malaysia. The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9-Short-Form, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Impulsive Behaviour Short Scale–8, and Peer Influence for Internet Gaming Addiction Scale were utilised to measure the variables in the present study. The results demonstrated that self-efficacy significantly predicted IGD, while impulsivity and peer influence were significant negative predictors of IGD. In summary, the current findings provide knowledge of the correlated factors of IGD among emerging adult MOBA players in Malaysia. This is helpful in identifying gaps in the literature concerning early intervention, prevention, treatment, and pathological issues related to gaming in the education sector in Malaysia.

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