Candy Crush Addiction, Executive Functioning and CGPA of University Students of Lahore

Article Title:  Candy Crush Addiction, Executive Functioning and CGPA of University Students of Lahore

Author: Nida Zafar

Institute: Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Author: Dr. Rukhsana Kausar

Institute: Dean School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Author: Dr Ståle Pallesen

Institute: Department of Psychosocial Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway.

Correspondence Address: Nida Zafar, Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan. Email: nida.zafar28@gmail.com

Journal: Bahria Journal of Professional Psychology, January 2018, Vol. 17, No. 1, 67-82

Abstract

The present paper aimed to investigate the mediating role of executive functioning in the relationship between Candy Crush addiction and the academic performance of younger adults. The sample comprised of N = 202 younger adults from different universities of Lahore, Pakistan. The age range of the sample was between 18-23 years (M =19.75, SD = 1.51). The Game Addiction Scale (GASA) and the Executive Functioning Questionnaire were administered to all the participants. Findings showed that the variables of gender (male), nuclear family system and less involvement in outdoor activities were supportive of higher scores on Candy Crush addiction. When executive functioning was controlled, the effect from Candy Crush addiction on Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) was significant. When Candy Crush addiction was controlled only the retroactive inhibition, working memory, flexibility, planning and time management were found to significantly correlate with CGPA. Thus, the results showed partial meditational relationship among the study variables. The results have important implications for parents and educational institutes in terms of devising strategies to reduce the addiction to Candy Crush.

Keywords: Candy Crush, addiction, executive functioning, grade point average, young adults

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