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Problematic gaming exists and is an example of disordered gaming
Citation
Griffiths, MD and Kuss, DJ and Lopez-Fernandez, O and Pontes, HM, Problematic gaming exists and is an example of disordered gaming, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6, (3) pp. 296-301. ISSN 2062-5871 (2017) [Substantial Review]
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DOI: doi:10.1556/2006.6.2017.037
Abstract
Background: The recent paper by Aarseth et al. (2016) questioned whether problematic gaming should be
considered a new disorder particularly because "Gaming Disorder" (GD) has been identified as a disorder to be
included in the next (11th) revision of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases
(ICD-11). Methods: This study uses contemporary literature to argue why GD should be included in the ICD-11.
Results: Aarseth and colleagues acknowledge that there is much literature (including papers by some of the
authors themselves) that some individuals experience serious problems with video gaming. How can such an
activity be seriously problematic yet not disordered? Similar to other addictions, gaming addiction is relatively
rare and is in essence a syndrome (i.e., a condition or disorder characterized by a set of associated symptoms that
tend to occur under specific circumstances). Consequently, not everyone will exhibit exactly the same set of
symptoms and consequences, and this partly explains why those working in the problematic gaming field often
disagree on symptomatology. Conclusions: Research into gaming is not about pathologizing healthy entertainment, but about pathologizing excessive and problematic behaviors that cause significant psychological distress
and impairment in an individual’s life. These are two related, but (ultimately) very distinct phenomena. While
being aware that gaming is a pastime activity which is enjoyed non-problematically by many millions of
individuals worldwide, it is concluded that problematic gaming exists and that it is an example of disordered
gaming.
Item Details
Item Type: | Substantial Review |
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Keywords: | gaming disorder, internet gaming disorder, problematic gaming, gaming addiction, video games |
Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Mental health services |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Mental health |
UTAS Author: | Pontes, HM (Dr Halley de Oliveira Miguel Pontes) |
ID Code: | 132477 |
Year Published: | 2017 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 61 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2019-05-08 |
Last Modified: | 2019-06-03 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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