Resolving normality–disorder boundary issues in gaming research

Commentary to the debate “Blurring the lines: Navigating the normality–disorder boundary in video game playing”

Bibliographic Data

ID21882282
AuthorsPhilip Nielsen (0000-0001-9227-222X, University of Geneva), Henk Rigter (0000-0003-0824-1207, Leiden University Medical Center)
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-06
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Behavioral Addictions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2062-5871 • E-ISSN: 2063-5303
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt. (PUBLISHER • HU)
DOI10.1556/2006.2025.00463
PMID42090227
OpenAlexW7160399350
LanguageEN
References cited8

This commentary responds to the views of King and colleagues (King, Billieux, Behm, & Delfabbro, 2025) on boundaries between normal and disordered gaming. Drawing on clinical experience with adolescents and families in treatment for problematic gaming, we argue for multidimensional assessment that embeds diagnosis within relational and contextual understanding. Overreliance on time spent gaming or self-report tools obscures functional impairment and family dynamics. Evidence from systemic therapy (STANDUP) indicates that improved family communication reduces gaming-related conflict without necessarily reducing gaming time. We propose viewing diagnosis as a collaborative working hypothesis, fostering dialogue rather than division between clinicians, families, and researchers

Boundary-work · Clinical judgment · Functional impairment · Perception · Child Development and Digital Technology · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents

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Open DOIOpen Access