An Examination of Correlates of Video Game and Internet Addiction

Within the field of addiction, there is a growing body of research surrounding the phenomenon of electronic media addiction. Internet addiction has a growing research base, and evidence is emerging that video game addiction may also be a diagnosable disorder. Many believe that research justifies the use of criteria modified from pathological gambling (also a type of behavioral addiction) to examine problematic video game play. The goal of the current study was to identify correlates of addiction to electronic media. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, adults completed questionnaires assessing background information, video game habits, game engagement, and symptoms of video game and Internet addiction. In Study 2 parent/child dyads completed modified versions of the same measures. Responses indicated that males typically play more hours than females, are more likely to play video games online, and experience greater game engagement. Females had higher scores on the Internet addiction measure, and female gender emerged with online game play as a predictor of Internet addiction, however the sample may overrepresent female gamers. Parents tended to agree with their child on the genre of their child’s favorite game, symptoms of Internet addiction, and game engagement. Disagreement was most prominent for hours spent playing video games and symptoms of video game addiction. Overall, present results support continued work to understand excessive Internet use and video game play.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• McBroom, Evan S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Brockmyer, Jeanne

• Psychology
• video game
• Internet
• addiction
• gender
• adult
• parent
• child
• correlates
• predictors

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1365086721

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:toledo1365086721