Maladaptive player-game relationships in problematic gaming and gaming disorder: A systematic review.

Maladaptive player-game relationships in problematic gaming and gaming disorder: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev. 2019 Oct 31;73:101777 Authors: King DL, Delfabbro PH, Perales JC, Deleuze J, Király O, Krossbakken E, Billieux J Abstract While certain player vulnerabilities are known to increase risk of gaming disorder (GD), the topic of maladaptive player × game relationships in GD has received limited attention. This review aimed to: (1) identify game types associated with GD symptomatology; and (2) evaluate individual differences (e.g., age, personality, depression) in the relationship between gaming and GD symptomatology. A systematic review of six databases identified 23 studies of the relations between game types and GD, including 13 studies employing multivariate analyses. Player vulnerabilities implicated in GD included impulsivity, risk-taking, psychopathological symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety), and stronger gaming motivations (e.g., escapism, achievement). MMORPG involvement had the strongest positive association with GD. Problematic MMORPG players tend to have a socially anxious profile and may be attracted to the work-like roles and conventions of this genre. Problematic players of shooters tend to score higher on measures of sensation-seeking and impulsivity than other players. These findings suggest that GD may develop more readily and at more severe levels in complex, endless, socially driven games, irre...
Source: Clinical Psychology Review - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Clin Psychol Rev Source Type: research