A Qualitative Analysis of Online Gaming Addicts in Treatment

Autor/inn/en	Beranuy, Marta; Carbonell, Xavier; Griffiths, Mark D.
Titel	A Qualitative Analysis of Online Gaming Addicts in Treatment
Quelle	In: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 11 (2013) 2, S.149-161 (13 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1557-1874
DOI	10.1007/s11469-012-9405-2
Schlagwörter	Addictive Behavior; Grounded Theory; Friendship; Computer Games; Role Playing; Interviews; Recreational Activities; Computer Mediated Communication; Psychological Patterns; Context Effect; Mental Health + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Freundschaft; Computer game; Computerspiel; Computerspiele; Rollenspiel; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Freizeitgestaltung; Computerkonferenz; Psychohygiene
Abstract	Online gaming addiction is a relatively under-researched area and there have been few studies examining online gamers in treatment. This paper reports the findings from a qualitative interview study of nine players undergoing treatment for their addictive playing of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). A face-to-face interview study with nine online gaming addicts was carried out using Grounded Theory. The six most reported phenomena by the participants were: (i) entertainment search, (ii) virtual friendship, (iii) escapism and/or dissociation, (iv) game context, (v) control versus no control, and (vi) conflict. The findings suggest that players' initial gaming motivation is because of three factors: (i) entertainment, (ii) escapism, and/or (iii) virtual friendship. MMORPG addiction appears once the playing time significantly increases, coupled with a loss of control and a narrow behavior focus. These factors lead to problems and result in psychological dependence and serious life conflicts. The consequences of MMORPG addiction are similar to the consequences of more established substance addictions including salience, mood modification, loss of control, craving, and serious adverse effects. Additionally, in some cases, tolerance and relapse may also be present. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10