Examining how gamers connect with their avatars to assess their anxiety

A novel artificial intelligence approach

Bibliographic Data

ID21283784
AuthorsKaiden Hein (0000-0002-1758-9208, RMIT University), Connor Conkey-Morrison (0009-0000-1020-2333, Victoria University), Tyrone L Burleigh (0000-0002-3405-140X, RMIT University, corresponding author), Dylan Poulus (0000-0003-4502-6821, Southern Cross University), Vasileios Stavropoulos (0000-0001-6964-4662, RMIT University)
Year2024
Volume246
Pages104298
Publication date2024-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104298
PMID38701623
OpenAlexW4396577500
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited43

Research has supported that a gamer's attachment to their avatar can offer significant insights about their mental health, including anxiety. To assess this hypothesis, longitudinal data from 565 adult and adolescent participants (M age = 29.3 years, SD = 10.6) was analyzed at two points, six months apart. Respondents were assessed using the User-Avatar Bond (UAB) scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to measure their connection with their avatar and their risk for anxiety. The records were processed using both untuned and tuned artificial intelligence [AI] classifiers to evaluate present and future anxiety. The findings indicated that AI models are capable of accurately and autonomously discerning cases of anxiety risk based on the gamers' self-reported UAB, age, and duration of gaming, both at present and after six months. Notably, random forest algorithms surpassed other AI models in effectiveness, with avatar compensation emerging as the most significant factor in model training for prospective anxiety. The implications for assessment, prevention, and clinical practice are discussed

Anxiety · Avatar · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Human–computer interaction · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Media Influence and Health · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access