Need fulfilment and internet gaming disorder: A preliminary integrative model

Abstract

Background The need for a better understanding of the risk factors underpinning disordered gaming has been consistently emphasized. Although, gaming may offer a simple and straightforward means of alleviating distress, relying on gaming to address one's unmet psychological needs could invite problematic usage. Self-determination theory highlights the significance of three universally inherent psychological needs for relatedness, competency, and autonomy. A motivation to engage in gaming may be to address unmet needs and may become problematic. Objective This study aimed to assess whether experienced levels of loneliness, depression and self-esteem mediate the association between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) behaviours and Need-Fulfilment deficits. Method The participants comprised of 149 adults (83 males, 66 females), aged between 18 and 62 years. A series of self-reported questionaries assessing their levels of IGD behaviours, depression, loneliness, self-esteem and need-fulfilment were completed. Results Need-fulfilment deficits were linked to higher IGD behaviours. Interestingly, this association was mediated by the reported levels of self-esteem and depression and not loneliness. Conclusions The findings lend further empirical support for the mediating role of psychological distress between need fulfilment deficits and IGD behaviours.

The role of family and personality traits in Internet gaming disorder: A mediation model combining cognitive and attachment perspectives

“…The findings of the previous study, as outlined above, contribute to the hypothesis that individual CSE traits may mediate excessive gaming behavior (Beard & Wickham, 2016;Gervasi et al, 2017;Scerri, Anderson, Stavropoulos, & Hu, 2018). In addition, there is evidence of the role of maternal and paternal rejection (PARTheory) in predicting impaired self-esteem and/or self-efficacy (Chong, Yeo, & Mislan, 2014;Dural & Yalcin, 2014).…”

Internet Gaming Disorder: Compensating as a Draenei in World of Warcraft

“…As previously discussed, psychological compensation and compensatory behaviors can extend beyond avatar customization and body image, as gamers can attempt to compensate in areas other than appearance (Stavropoulos et al, 2018d;Stavropoulos et al, 2019). Individuals who may feel lonely and lacking social connections in the real world can find solace in online socialization, in which they might experience higher acceptance by a guild; that is, a group of gamers supporting each other consistently throughout the game (Stavropoulos et al, 2017;Scerri, Anderson, Stavropoulos, & Hu, 2018). Within guilds, gamers may feel a greater sense of purpose and belongingness, and therefore, compensate for their potential lack of socialization in the real world by becoming meaningfully and socially involved in the virtual world (Goodman, Doorley & Kashdan, 2018).…”

Associations between attention deficit hyperactivity and internet gaming disorder symptoms: Is there consistency across types of symptoms, gender and countries?

“…There is a wide range of game genres, these can include racing, shooting, puzzle, fighting, simulation, and role-playing games, available both in single player and/or multiplayer formats ( Anderson et al, 2017 ; Hu, Stavropoulos, Anderson, Scerri, & Collard, 2018 ; Scerri, Anderson, Stavropoulos, & Hu, 2018 ). Recent studies have shown that IGD susceptibility appears to vary across these game genres, with MMO games consistently corresponding with a higher risk due to its unique structural characteristics ( Kuss & Griffiths, 2012 ; Stavropoulos, Kuss, et al, 2017 ; Stavropoulos, Wilson, Kuss, Griffiths, & Gentile, 2017 ; Stetina et al, 2011 ).…”