Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 2020, Vol. 35, No. 2, 253-270 https://doi:org/10.33824/PJPR.2020.35.2.14 Internet Gaming, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Distress, and Academic Performance Among University Students Sadaf Zahra and Sadaf Ahsan Foundation University Shoaib Kiani Pakistan Army Kanwal Shahbaz, and Syeda Naila Andleeb Foundation University This research aimed at determining the relationship of internet gaming with emotional intelligence, psychological distress, and academic performance among university students; it also investigated whether playing timings could influence psychological distress and emotional intelligence. A sample comprising 315 university students (boys = 161, girls = 154) was collected. Internet Gaming Disorder Test (Pontes, Kiraly, Demetrovics, & Griffiths, 2014), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (Wong & Law, 2002) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were used. Academic performance was measured through grades obtained during last two semesters. Results revealed internet gaming had significant positive relationship with psychological distress, whereas it was linked to emotional intelligence and academic performance negatively. Students who played more after mid-night were psychologically more distressed than those who played during morning, evening, or early night time. Outcomes of this research will be beneficial in developing effective awareness programs for the individuals who are highly involved in internet gaming to understand its negative consequences. Keywords. Internet gaming, emotional intelligence, psychological distress, academic performance, mid-night playing Sadaf Zahra, Sadaf Ahsan, Kanwal Shahbaz, and Syeda Naila Andleeb, Department of Psychology, Foundation University, Rawalpindi Campus, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Shoaib Kiani, Pakistan Army, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Syeda Naila Andleeb, Department of Psychology, Foundation University, Rawalpindi Campus, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. E-mail: andleebsyeda@gmail.com