Escapism in gaming: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Escapism is frequently linked to gaming disorder and psychological distress, but findings vary across measurement approaches and study contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized psychological correlates of escapism in gaming, quantified their associations, reviewed measurement approaches, and tested differences by measurement tool and study focus.

Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for quantitative studies published between 2013 and 2026. A total of 119 publications (N = 119,730) met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for variables reported in at least three independent studies.

The review identified 251 unique variables across seven categories, with Clinical Factors most frequently examined. The strongest pooled associations were observed for negative affect (r = .51), gaming disorder (r = .51), and internet gaming disorder (r = .50). Moderate positive associations were found for problematic gaming, gaming addiction, internet addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, social anxiety, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Self-esteem and life satisfaction were negatively associated with escapism, whereas positive affect, well-being, flow, autonomy, competence, and relatedness were nonsignificant. Eighteen measurement approaches were identified, and subgroup analyses showed no significant differences by measurement tool or study focus.

Escapism was most consistently associated with gaming-related problems and psychological distress. Evidence concerning well-being-related correlates was comparatively limited. Future research should use multidimensional measures and longitudinal designs to clarify distinct forms and functions of escapism.