Video game addiction, also known as gaming disorder, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its increasing prevalence and the potential psychological and social consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized gaming disorder in 2018, defining it as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences (WHO, 2018). This article delves into the psychological mechanisms underlying video game addiction, supported by peer-reviewed research.

Video game addiction is a complex condition with multifaceted psychological underpinnings. It involves dysregulation of the brain's reward system, cognitive and behavioral factors, emotional regulation challenges, and social influences. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. It's important to remember that video game addiction exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who enjoys playing video games is an addict. However, for some individuals, gaming behaviour becomes problematic and interferes with daily life.

Psychological Mechanisms of Video Game Addiction

Video games can offer positive experiences for many users. They can provide opportunities for social connection, teamwork, and problem-solving skills development. Gaming can also be a source of relaxation and enjoyment. However, for some individuals, these positive aspects can become overshadowed by a compulsive need to play, leading to the development of gaming addiction.

Reward System Dysregulation

The brain's reward system plays a central role in the development of addictive behaviours, including video game addiction. The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, which is activated during rewarding activities, is significantly engaged during video gaming. Games are designed to provide intermittent and unpredictable rewards, which can strongly reinforce gaming behavior. Studies have shown that the release of dopamine in response to gaming can be comparable to that triggered by substance use, suggesting a similar potential for addiction (Weinstein & Lejoyeux, 2015).

Cognitive Behavioural Factors

Cognitive-behavioural models propose that maladaptive thoughts and behaviours contribute to the development and maintenance of video game addiction. Griffiths (2005) identified several cognitive biases that can lead to excessive gaming, such as overestimation of one's abilities, misattribution of success to skill rather than chance, and the illusion of control. These cognitive distortions can foster a cycle of persistent gaming as individuals strive to achieve perceived success and control.

Emotional Regulation and Escapism

Many individuals turn to video games as a means of coping with negative emotions or escaping from real-life problems. Gaming can provide a temporary escape from stress, anxiety, and depression, offering an immersive environment where players can experience a sense of achievement and social connection. A study by Kardefelt-Winther (2014) found that escapism and coping were significant predictors of gaming addiction, highlighting the role of emotional regulation in this disorder.

Social Factors

The social aspects of gaming, particularly online multiplayer games, can also contribute to addiction. These games often provide a sense of community and belonging, which can be especially appealing to individuals who feel socially isolated or lack strong real-life social networks. The desire to maintain social connections and achieve status within the gaming community can drive excessive gaming behaviours (Kowert, Domahidi, & Quandt, 2014).

Risk Factors for Video Game Addiction

Personality Traits

Certain personality traits have been associated with a higher risk of developing video game addiction. High levels of neuroticism, impulsivity, and low self-esteem are commonly reported among individuals with gaming disorder. These traits can predispose individuals to seek out the immediate gratification and escape that gaming provides (Andreassen et al., 2013).

Demographic Factors

Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to video game addiction, possibly due to developmental factors such as the ongoing maturation of executive functions and the increased importance of peer relationships during these life stages. Males are also more likely to develop gaming addiction than females, which may be related to gender differences in gaming preferences and behaviours (Fam, 2018).

Comorbid Mental Health Conditions

There is a high prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions among individuals with video game addiction, including depression, anxiety, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions can exacerbate the addictive potential of gaming as individuals may use games to self-medicate or alleviate symptoms of their underlying disorders (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012).

Treatment and Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective treatment approaches for video game addiction. It focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to gaming. CBT techniques include cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and developing healthier coping strategies to manage negative emotions (King et al., 2017).

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and resolve their ambivalence about changing their gaming behaviors. It aims to enhance intrinsic motivation for change by addressing discrepancies between current behaviors and broader life goals (Zajac, Ginley, & Chang, 2020).

Family-Based Interventions

For adolescents, family-based interventions can be particularly effective. These interventions involve working with the family to improve communication, set appropriate boundaries around gaming, and address any underlying family dynamics that may be contributing to the addiction (Liu & Peng, 2009).

Considerations and Debates

The diagnosis of video game addiction is a relatively new concept, and there is ongoing debate within the scientific community. There is some concern about the potential for over-diagnosis, particularly for mild or moderate gaming habits. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and identify effective interventions tailored to the specific needs of individuals.

Simply Put

Video game addiction is a complex condition with multifaceted psychological underpinnings. It involves dysregulation of the brain's reward system, cognitive and behavioural factors, emotional regulation challenges, and social influences. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. As research continues to evolve, a more nuanced understanding of video game addiction will emerge, helping to mitigate its impact on individuals and society.

References

• Andreassen, C. S., Griffiths, M. D., Gjertsen, S. R., Krossbakken, E., Kvam, S., & Pallesen, S. (2013). The relationships between behavioral addictions and the five-factor model of personality. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2(2), 90-99.

• Fam, J. Y. (2018). Prevalence of internet gaming disorder in adolescents: A meta-analysis across three decades. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 59(5), 524-531.

• Griffiths, M. D. (2005). A 'components' model of addiction within a biopsychosocial framework. Journal of Substance Use, 10(4), 191-197.

• Kardefelt-Winther, D. (2014). The moderating role of psychosocial well-being on the relationship between escapism and excessive online gaming. Computers in Human Behavior, 38, 68-74.

• King, D. L., Delfabbro, P. H., Wu, A. M., Doh, Y. Y., Kuss, D. J., Pallesen, S., ... & Sakuma, H. (2017). Treatment of internet gaming disorder: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 54, 123-133.

• Kowert, R., Domahidi, E., & Quandt, T. (2014). The relationship between online video game involvement and gaming-related friendships among emotionally sensitive individuals. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(7), 447-453.

• Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2012). Internet gaming addiction: A systematic review of empirical research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 10(2), 278-296.

• Liu, M., & Peng, W. (2009). Cognitive and psychological predictors of the negative outcomes associated with playing MMOGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games). Computers in Human Behavior, 25(6), 1306-1311.

• Weinstein, A., & Lejoyeux, M. (2015). New developments on the neurobiological and pharmacological treatment of internet and gaming disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 57, 315-328.

• World Health Organization. (2018). International classification of diseases (11th ed.). Retrieved from https://icd.who.int/en

• Zajac, K., Ginley, M. K., & Chang, R. (2020). Treatments of internet gaming disorder: A systematic review of the evidence. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 20(1), 85-93.