Problematic involvement in online games: A cluster analytic approach

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Version: Final published version
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Serval ID
serval:BIB_3C59FC878BAA
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
Problematic involvement in online games: A cluster analytic approach
Journal
Computers in Human Behavior
Author(s)
Billieux Joël, Thorens Gabriel, Khazaal Yasser, Zullino Daniele, Achab Sophia, Van der Linden Martial
ISSN
0747-5632
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
43
Pages
242-250
Language
english
Abstract
Playing online games can become problematic and engender adverse consequences. Several psychological
factors have been shown to influence the development and the maintenance of this problematic
behavior, including impulsivity traits, motives to play (immersion, achievement, social affiliation), and
self-esteem. The aim of the current study is to determine whether reliable subtypes of problematic online
gamers can be identified. A sample of 1057 online gamers was recruited. Validated questionnaires were
used to measure established psychological risk factors (impulsivity, motives to play, self-esteem) and
potential consequences of playing (addiction symptoms, positive and negative affect). Actual in-game
behaviors were also monitored. Five reliable clusters of gamers were identified (three problematic and
two nonproblematic clusters). Cluster comparison revealed that the psychological factors considered
are differentially involved in problematic online gaming. At the theoretical level, the results emphasized
that problem online gaming depends on a wide range of psychological factors. At the clinical level, the
diversity of psychological profiles shown supports the development of personalized (custom-made)
interventions targeting specific psychological mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that conceptualizing
the problematic use of massively multiplayer online role-playing games as ‘‘behavioral addiction’’ is
too restrictive and might result in the simplification of heterogeneous and multi-determined problematic
behaviors.
Keywords
Internet Gaming Disorder, Gaming, Impulsivity, Subtype, Motives
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Create date
10/01/2020 9:31
Last modification date
28/03/2022 5:39
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