Evaluación de conductas adictivas a juegos móviles en escolares de primaria: un estudio psicométrico

The growing use of mobile games among children and the associated risks of addiction make it essential to gain a deeper understanding of these behaviors. This study aimed to design and validate a specific observation record to identify addictive behaviors in this age group. A sequential design was employed, beginning with a qualitative study that identified key dimensions of addiction through direct observation of 45 children with intensive mobile game use and a literature review. Subsequently, an observation record for assessing mobile game addiction in primary education (ROE-AMJEP), composed of 14 descriptors, was developed and applied to 228 primary school children in Tacna, Peru. In the quantitative stage, an exploratory factor analysis and reliability tests were conducted. The analysis identified two main dimensions—compulsivity and conflict—each comprising three descriptors, with adequate internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.851). The findings highlight the relevance of compulsivity and conflict in assessing mobile game addiction in primary school children, consistent with previous studies in older populations. The ROE-AMJEP provides a practical six-descriptor tool for the early detection of mobile game addiction in school settings, facilitating timely interventions. Future studies are recommended to enhance the generalizability of the results and to explore the progression of addiction across different stages of child development.