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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 2/2022

Open Access 01-04-2022 | Addiction | Original Article

The Role of Avoidance Coping and Escape Motives in Problematic Online Gaming: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors: Fiordalisa Melodia, Natale Canale, Mark D. Griffiths

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 2/2022

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Abstract

Over the past two decades, research into Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has markedly increased due to worldwide spread of online videogames. The reasons and motivations for playing greatly contribute to its popularity. Escapism and avoidance coping strategies have been studied extensively and conceptualized as motives to play. A growing research base has demonstrated a strong association between these motives to play and negative gaming outcomes. Consequently, the aim of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of avoidance coping and escape motives in problematic online gaming. A systematic literature search was carried out using academic databases and a total of 26 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results show that escapism and avoidance coping represent both a predictor of IGD and play a mediating role between many psychological factors (e.g., self-esteem, loneliness, self-concept, anxiety) and problematic online gaming. However, the review also highlights the paucity of longitudinal studies that hinder the determination of the causal direction of these associations. Despite this limitation, the evidence has important implication for developing more effective prevention programs and clinical interventions.
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Metadata
Title
The Role of Avoidance Coping and Escape Motives in Problematic Online Gaming: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors
Fiordalisa Melodia
Natale Canale
Mark D. Griffiths
Publication date
01-04-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00422-w

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