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Avatar- and self-related processes and problematic gaming: A systematic review
Raquel Green1, Paul H Delfabbro1, Daniel L King2
1School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
Addictive Behaviors
|June 2, 2020
Summary
Poor self-concept and strong avatar identification are linked to problematic online gaming and gaming disorder (GD). These factors, especially in role-playing games, may contribute to addictive behaviors, necessitating clinical focus.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- The concept of self is crucial for understanding problematic online gaming.
- In-game avatars allow players to explore different identities and compensate for real-world deficiencies.
- The precise role of avatar- and self-related processes in problematic gaming and gaming disorder (GD) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review quantitative studies on avatar- and self-related concepts in problematic gaming.
- To synthesize findings on the association between self-concept, avatar identification, and problematic gaming, including GD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 18 quantitative studies.
- Included 13 survey-based studies and 5 neuroimaging studies.
- Analyzed research on avatar- and self-related concepts and problematic gaming.
Main Results:
- Consistent association found between negative self-concept, avatar identification, and problematic gaming.
- Large discrepancies between the self and avatar are significantly linked to problematic gaming.
- Poor self-concept identified as a risk factor for GD, particularly in games involving role-playing and identity formation.
Conclusions:
- Negative self-concept and strong avatar identification are key factors in problematic gaming.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the addictive mechanisms of GD related to avatar- and self-processes.
- Clinical assessments and interventions for problematic gaming should consider avatar identification.
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