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The Impact of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) on Psychological Wellbeing and the Role of Play Motivations and Problematic Use

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Abstract

The association between MMORPG play (World of Warcraft) and psychological wellbeing was explored through a cross sectional, online questionnaire design testing the relationship between average hours playing per week and psychological wellbeing. Play motivation including achievement, social interaction and immersion as well as problematic use were tested as mediating variables. Participants (N = 565) completed online measures including demographics and play time, health, motivations to play and problematic use. Analysis revealed a negative correlation between playing time and psychological wellbeing. A Multiple Mediation Model showed the relationship specifically occurred where play was motivated by Immersion and/or where play was likely to have become problematic. No evidence of a direct effect of play on psychological wellbeing was found when taking these mediating pathways into account. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Amy Kirby, Chris Jones & Alex Copello

  2. St Andrew’s Healthcare, Birmingham, UK

    Amy Kirby

  3. Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

    Alex Copello

  4. 12 Pebworth Grove, Dudley, DY1 3BQ, UK

    Amy Kirby

Authors
  1. Amy Kirby
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  2. Chris Jones
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  3. Alex Copello
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Correspondence to Amy Kirby.

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Kirby, A., Jones, C. & Copello, A. The Impact of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) on Psychological Wellbeing and the Role of Play Motivations and Problematic Use. Int J Ment Health Addiction 12, 36–51 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-013-9467-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-013-9467-9

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