A cognitive-behavioral model of Internet gaming disorder: Theoretical underpinnings and clinical implications

• Motivational drives related to reward-seeking.
• Behavioral control relating to executive inhibition.
• Decision-making that weighs the consequences of engaging in motivated behaviors.

Cognitive contributions to the behaviors observed in substance and non-substance addictions have been investigated and characterized. Based on models of drug addictions and the extant literature on Internet gaming disorder (IGD), we propose a cognitive-behavioral model for conceptualizing IGD. The model focuses on three domains and their roles in addictive behaviors. The three domains include motivational drives related to reward-seeking and stress-reduction, behavioral control relating to executive inhibition, and decision-making that involves weighing the pros and cons of engaging in motivated behaviors. Based on this model, we propose how behavioral therapies might target these domains in the treatment of IGD.