A research article co-authored by Konstantine Chakhunashvili, Associate Professor at Caucasus University, has been published in the internationally recognized peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, part of the Nature Portfolio.
The article, entitled “Association of gaming with international student’s mental health and well-being at Georgian universities,” was accepted on September 14, 2026.
Citation:
Chakhunashvili K, Chakhunashvili DG, Kirakosiani N, Tsalughelashvili G, Inasaridze N, Kurtanidze G, Arabidze M, Mchedlishvili E, Nadareishvili I. Association of gaming with international student’s mental health and well-being at Georgian universities. Scientific Reports. 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-71743-4
According to the SCImago Journal Rank (SJR), Scientific Reports is classified as a Q1 journal. Its SJR indicator was 0.874 in 2024 and 0.893 in 2025. The journal’s 2025 Journal Impact Factor is 4.9.
SCImago: https://www.scimagojr.com/journalsearch.php?q=21100200805&tip=sid&clean=0
The journal is indexed in leading international scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE.
Summary of the Study
The study explores the relationship between gaming, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), psychological well-being, and social factors among international students enrolled at universities in Georgia.
The research was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 at several universities in Tbilisi, including Caucasus University, the University of Georgia, Ilia State University, and David Tvildiani Medical University. International students from a range of countries participated in the study.
The researchers assessed a number of factors, including symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder, burnout, loneliness, financial well-being, life satisfaction, religiosity, substance use, and other demographic and behavioral characteristics.
On average, participants spent 11.46 hours per week gaming, while the mean Internet Gaming Disorder score was 17.34. The findings showed that spending more time gaming each week was significantly associated with higher IGD scores.
After adjustment for multiple comparisons in the multivariable model, gaming duration, burnout, and gender remained independent statistically significant correlates of IGD scores. Longer gaming duration and higher levels of burnout were associated with higher IGD scores.
The findings suggest that problematic gaming should not be assessed solely on the basis of the amount of time spent gaming or in front of a screen. Students’ levels of burnout, psychological strain, and broader social well-being should also be taken into consideration.
This is particularly important in the case of international students, who may simultaneously experience academic pressure, the challenges of adapting to a new cultural environment, limited social support, and financial stress.
The authors also note that the study has a cross-sectional design, meaning that the findings identify associations rather than establish cause-and-effect relationships. They therefore recommend further longitudinal research, the use of more representative samples, and objective methods for measuring gaming duration.
