Abstract
A nationally representative online survey (n = 3,380) was used to assess the contribution of patterns of video game play to problem video game play (PVGP) symptomatology.
Game genre, enjoyment, consumer involvement, time spent gaming (gaming days in the past month and hours on days used), and
demographic variables were all examined. The study confirms game genre’s contribution to problem use as well as demographic
variation in play patterns that underlie problem video game play vulnerability. Identification of a small group of game types
positively correlated with problem use suggests new directions for research into the specific design elements and reward mechanics
of “addictive” video games. Unique vulnerabilities to problem use among certain groups demonstrate the need for ongoing investigation
of health disparities related to contextual dimensions of video game play.
Game genre, enjoyment, consumer involvement, time spent gaming (gaming days in the past month and hours on days used), and
demographic variables were all examined. The study confirms game genre’s contribution to problem use as well as demographic
variation in play patterns that underlie problem video game play vulnerability. Identification of a small group of game types
positively correlated with problem use suggests new directions for research into the specific design elements and reward mechanics
of “addictive” video games. Unique vulnerabilities to problem use among certain groups demonstrate the need for ongoing investigation
of health disparities related to contextual dimensions of video game play.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-012-9391-4
- Authors
- Luther Elliott, Institute for Special Populations Research, National Development and Research Institutes, 4th Floor, 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Geoffrey Ream, School of Social Work, Adelphi University, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
- Elizabeth McGinsky, Department of Anthropology, Temple University, Gladfelter Hall, 2nd Floor, 1115 West Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Eloise Dunlap, Institute for Special Populations Research, National Development and Research Institutes, 4th Floor, 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874