Internet Gaming Disorder: the interplay between physical activity and user–avatar relationship

Liew, LWL, Stavropoulos, V, Adams, BLM, Burleigh, TL and Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524, 2018. Internet Gaming Disorder: the interplay between physical activity and user–avatar relationship. Behaviour & Information Technology, 37 (6), pp. 558-574. ISSN 0144-929X

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Abstract

Understanding both the risk and protective factors associated with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been viewed by many in the gaming studies field as an area of research priority. The present study focused on the potential risk and protective effects of user-avatar (game figure) relationship and physical activity (PA) respectively. To address these aims, a cross-sectional and a longitudinal mixed-methods design were combined (comprising both psychological and physiological assessments). A sample of 121 emerging adult gamers (18%29 years) residing in Australia, who played massively multiplayer online games, were assessed in relation to their IGD behaviors using the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Additionally, the Proto-Self-Presence scale was used to evaluate the extent to which gamers identified with the body of their avatar. Finally, a PA monitor (Fit Bit Flex ) measured levels of energy consumed during real world daily activities (active minutes). A number of linear regressions and moderation analyses were conducted. Findings confirmed that Proto-Self-Presence functioned as an IGD risk factor and that PA acted protectively, weakening the association between Proto-Self-Presence and IGD behaviors. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to IGD treatment and gaming development aspects.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Behaviour & Information Technology
Creators:	Liew, L.W.L., Stavropoulos, V., Adams, B.L.M., Burleigh, T.L. and Griffiths, M.D.
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date:	2018
Volume:	37
Number:	6
ISSN:	0144-929X
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1080/0144929x.2018.1464599 DOI
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	02 May 2018 11:45
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2019 13:11
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33421

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