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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-10-2016

Prevalence and Predictors of Video Game Addiction: A Study Based on a National Representative Sample of Gamers

Authors: Charlotte Thoresen Wittek, Turi Reiten Finserås, Ståle Pallesen, Rune Aune Mentzoni, Daniel Hanss, Mark D. Griffiths, Helge Molde

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Video gaming has become a popular leisure activity in many parts of the world, and an increasing number of empirical studies examine the small minority that appears to develop problems as a result of excessive gaming. This study investigated prevalence rates and predictors of video game addiction in a sample of gamers, randomly selected from the National Population Registry of Norway (N = 3389). Results showed there were 1.4 % addicted gamers, 7.3 % problem gamers, 3.9 % engaged gamers, and 87.4 % normal gamers. Gender (being male) and age group (being young) were positively associated with addicted-, problem-, and engaged gamers. Place of birth (Africa, Asia, South- and Middle America) were positively associated with addicted- and problem gamers. Video game addiction was negatively associated with conscientiousness and positively associated with neuroticism. Poor psychosomatic health was positively associated with problem- and engaged gaming. These factors provide insight into the field of video game addiction, and may help to provide guidance as to how individuals that are at risk of becoming addicted gamers can be identified.

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Title: Prevalence and Predictors of Video Game Addiction: A Study Based on a National Representative Sample of Gamers
Authors: Charlotte Thoresen Wittek
Turi Reiten Finserås
Ståle Pallesen
Rune Aune Mentzoni
Daniel Hanss
Mark D. Griffiths
Helge Molde
Publication date: 01-10-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9592-8

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Prevalence and Predictors of Video Game Addiction: A Study Based on a National Representative Sample of Gamers

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