Working towards improved conceptualisation and identification of gaming disorder and co-occurring addictions in gamers

Burleigh, T.L. ORCID: 0000-0002-3405-140X, 2022. Working towards improved conceptualisation and identification of gaming disorder and co-occurring addictions in gamers. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This doctoral research thesis investigated the neurophysiological underpinnings of gaming disorder (GD), and the way in which co-occurrence can influence and correlate with GD in a clinical and a multi-cultural context. The unique contribution of knowledge was (i) the assessment of the neurophysiological expression of gamers using a novel spiking neural network (SNN) methodology; (ii) exploring co-occurrence in gamers and substance abstinent gamers; and (iii) exploring co-occurrence in gamers across three different individualistic countries (i.e., Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). The conceptualisation of GD and related methodologies were explored using multiple systematic research methods. A number of methodologies were then employed, including the use of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, a machine learning (ML) approach which utilised a novel SNN architecture (i.e., the NeuCube), and the use of surveys to reach a clinical cohort and three cohorts spanning three different countries in an effort to investigate the way in which co-occurrence may influence gamers and at-risk gamers. The results of the empirical studies indicated that: (i) problematic gamers experience different neurophysiological expression than those who recreational game and that ML methodologies are an effective method of classifying recreational and problematic gamers when using EEG data; (ii) maladaptive coping strategies were significantly associated to gaming scores, and that gamers appeared to experience co-occurrence more so than their non-gamer counterparts; (iii) at-risk and high-risk gamers may utilise gaming as a maladaptive coping strategy and other accompanying potentially addictive behaviour, or substance use may be influenced as a result; (iv) the manifestation of maladaptive coping strategies and potentially addictive behaviours can be influenced by the country in which an individual resides. Taken together, the present doctoral project further clarified the conceptualisation of GD, utilising a neurophysiological underpinning, which is further supported with observed behaviour as suggested by the National Institute of Mental Health. In addition, it places an emphasis on the importance of understanding co-occurrence and specific at-risk factors (e.g., coping) which may contribute to the development and maintenance of problematic or disordered gaming in both a clinical sample and general population samples.

Item Type: Thesis
Creators: Burleigh, T.L.
Contributors:
NameRoleNTU IDORCID
Kuss, D.Thesis supervisorPSY3KUSSDJorcid.org/0000-0001-8917-782X
Griffiths, M.Thesis supervisorSOC3GRIFFMDorcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524
Sumich, A.Thesis supervisorPSY3SUMICAorcid.org/0000-0003-4333-8442
Date: September 2022
Rights: This work is the intellectual property of the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non‐commercial research. Any re‐use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed in the owner(s) of the Intellectual Property Rights.
Divisions: Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by: Linda Sullivan
Date Added: 26 Sep 2023 13:20
Last Modified: 26 Sep 2023 13:20
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/49816

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