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. 2018 Nov 23:9:100144.
doi: 10.1016/j.abrep.2018.100144. eCollection 2019 Jun.

Need fulfilment and internet gaming disorder: A preliminary integrative model

Matthew Scerri  1 , Alastair Anderson  1 , Vasileios Stavropoulos  1 , Elwin Hu  1
Affiliations

Need fulfilment and internet gaming disorder: A preliminary integrative model

Matthew Scerri et al. Addict Behav Rep. .

Abstract

Background: The need for a better understanding of the risk factors underpinning disordered gaming has been consistently emphasized. Although, gaming may offer a simple and straightforward means of alleviating distress, relying on gaming to address one's unmet psychological needs could invite problematic usage. Self-determination theory highlights the significance of three universally inherent psychological needs for relatedness, competency, and autonomy. A motivation to engage in gaming may be to address unmet needs and may become problematic.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether experienced levels of loneliness, depression and self-esteem mediate the association between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) behaviours and Need-Fulfilment deficits.

Method: The participants comprised of 149 adults (83 males, 66 females), aged between 18 and 62 years. A series of self-reported questionaries assessing their levels of IGD behaviours, depression, loneliness, self-esteem and need-fulfilment were completed.

Results: Need-fulfilment deficits were linked to higher IGD behaviours. Interestingly, this association was mediated by the reported levels of self-esteem and depression and not loneliness.

Conclusions: The findings lend further empirical support for the mediating role of psychological distress between need fulfilment deficits and IGD behaviours.

Keywords: Internet gaming disorder; Need-fulfilment; Psychological distress; Self-determination.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hypothesized integrative IGD model.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hypothesized integrative IGD model: standardised parameter estimates and R2 coefficients.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Revised integrative IGD model: standardised parameter estimates and R2 coefficients.
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