Schizotypal personality traits and problematic use of massively-multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs)

Internet gaming disorder; MMORPG; Motivations; Schizotypy; Video games; Interactive computer graphics; Motivation; Social networking (online); Surveys; Virtual reality; Internet gaming; Massively multiplayer online role-playing games; Mmorpgs; Personality traits; Video game; Virtual worlds; Human computer interaction

Abstract :

[en] A link between maladaptive personality traits and an excessive use of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) has been documented. However, the role of schizotypal personality traits in MMORPG use is understudied. The aim of this study was to explore the potential links between schizotypal traits, motivations for playing MMORPGs, and symptoms of problematic MMORPG use. Eighty-three MMORPG gamers were enrolled in the study. They filled out questionnaires measuring schizotypal personality traits and an adapted version of the same scale designed to measure in-game schizotypal traits. All participants also filled out questionnaires assessing motivations for gaming and disordered use of MMORPGs. Results of the study showed that the disorganized and interpersonal traits of schizotypy decreased when participants were thinking about themselves in the virtual world. Schizotypal traits, together with achievement and immersion motives, predicted problematic use of MMORPGs. The findings of this study may suggest that schizotypal traits and motivations for playing can interact and play a pivotal role in the onset and maintenance of problematic gaming. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Disciplines :

Theoretical & cognitive psychology

Author, co-author :

Schimmenti, A.; Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE - Kore University of Enna, Italy

Infanti, A.; Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Badoud, D.; Developmental Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Switzerland

Laloyaux, Julien ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie > Psychopathologie cognitive

Billieux, Joël; Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, Internet and Gambling Disorders Clinic, Department of Adult Psychiatry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium, Institute for Health and Behaviour, Integrative Research Unit on Social and Individual Development (INSIDE), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Language :

English

Title :

Schizotypal personality traits and problematic use of massively-multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs)

Publication date :

2017

Journal title :

Computers in Human Behavior

ISSN :

0747-5632

eISSN :

1873-7692

Publisher :

Elsevier Ltd

Volume :

Pages :

286-293

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 13 June 2018

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