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Published on: November 9, 2019
Personality differences between online game players and nonplayers in a student sample
1Department of Business Administration, Chang Gung University, Taiwan, Republic of China. chingit@mail.cgu.edu.tw
Summary
Online game players exhibit higher levels of openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion compared to nonplayers. This study investigated personality differences in a student sample, finding significant variations between the two groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Understanding personality traits is crucial in various fields.
- The rise of online gaming necessitates research into its potential psychological correlates.
- Previous research has explored links between gaming and personality, but findings are varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in the Big Five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion) between online game players and nonplayers.
- To contribute empirical data to the discussion on the psychological profiles of individuals engaging in online gaming.
- To examine these differences within a controlled student sample.
Main Methods:
- A matched-pair design was employed, with 130 pairs of students matched for gender and age.
- Participants were categorized as either online game players or nonplayers.
- Self-reported scores on measures of openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion were collected and compared between the groups.
Main Results:
- Online game players consistently reported higher scores in openness compared to nonplayers.
- Conscientiousness scores were also significantly higher among online game players.
- Extraversion levels were elevated in the online game player group relative to nonplayers.
Conclusions:
- Online gaming participation is associated with distinct personality profiles, specifically higher openness, conscientiousness, and extraversion.
- These findings suggest that individuals with these traits may be more drawn to or benefit from online gaming environments.
- Further research should explore the causal relationships and implications of these personality differences in the context of online gaming.
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