Abstract
In recent years, Internet Gaming Addiction (IAGA) among university students has become a growing concern due to its potential negative effects on academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. With the widespread use of online gaming platforms and digital devices, understanding the factors that contribute to IAGA has become increasingly important. A key area of focus is the role of personality traits in determining vulnerability to IAGA among university students. This study explores the connection between the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience) and IAGA within the university student population. A correlational survey design with a quantitative approach was used, involving 400 university students from Uttar Pradesh. Data were collected using established scales for Internet Gaming Addiction and Big Five personality traits. Participants were selected through quota sampling, and analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 for cross-tabulation, correlation, regression, and chi-square tests, with data cleaning and coding done in MS Excel. The study found that Neuroticism (N) had a positive and significant relationship with IAGA, while Conscientiousness (C) had a negative and significant relationship. As a result, H0 2 and H0 5 were rejected. However, Openness to Experience (O), Extraversion (E), and Agreeableness (A) showed insignificant relationships with IAGA, leading to the failure to reject H0 1, H0 3, and H0 4. These findings emphasize the significant impact of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness on IAGA and underscore the importance of personality-based interventions for addressing gaming addiction. Further research is needed to explore the roles of Openness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness in influencing gaming behaviors.

DIP: 18.02.006/20251001
DOI: 10.25215/2455/1001006