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Problematic gaming exists and is an example of disordered gaming
Mark D Griffiths1, Daria J Kuss1, Olatz Lopez-Fernandez1
11 International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University , Nottingham, UK.
Journal of Behavioral Addictions
|August 18, 2017
Summary
Problematic gaming is a real disorder, despite differing opinions on its symptoms. Research aims to identify excessive gaming behaviors causing distress, not pathologize entertainment.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatric Diagnostics
Background:
- The inclusion of Gaming Disorder (GD) in the ICD-11 has been debated, notably by Aarseth et al. (2016).
- Existing literature acknowledges significant problems associated with video gaming for some individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present arguments supporting the inclusion of Gaming Disorder in the World Health Organization's ICD-11.
- To address the debate surrounding the classification of problematic gaming behaviors as a disorder.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of contemporary scientific literature on problematic gaming.
- Analysis of arguments questioning and supporting the classification of Gaming Disorder.
Main Results:
- Acknowledges the existence of serious problems and distress caused by excessive video gaming.
- Explains symptom variability in gaming addiction as a syndrome, similar to other addictions.
- Highlights that not all gamers experience problematic gaming behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Problematic gaming represents a distinct phenomenon characterized by excessive behaviors causing psychological distress and impairment.
- Research focuses on identifying and understanding disordered gaming, not pathologizing non-problematic entertainment.
- Concludes that problematic gaming exists and warrants classification as a disorder.
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