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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 1/2014

01-02-2014

The Impact of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) on Psychological Wellbeing and the Role of Play Motivations and Problematic Use

Authors: Amy Kirby, Chris Jones, Alex Copello

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

The association between MMORPG play (World of Warcraft) and psychological wellbeing was explored through a cross sectional, online questionnaire design testing the relationship between average hours playing per week and psychological wellbeing. Play motivation including achievement, social interaction and immersion as well as problematic use were tested as mediating variables. Participants (N = 565) completed online measures including demographics and play time, health, motivations to play and problematic use. Analysis revealed a negative correlation between playing time and psychological wellbeing. A Multiple Mediation Model showed the relationship specifically occurred where play was motivated by Immersion and/or where play was likely to have become problematic. No evidence of a direct effect of play on psychological wellbeing was found when taking these mediating pathways into account. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
The Impact of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) on Psychological Wellbeing and the Role of Play Motivations and Problematic Use
Authors
Amy Kirby
Chris Jones
Alex Copello
Publication date
01-02-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-013-9467-9

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