Understanding Problematic Gaming Through Self-Determined Versus Non-Self-Determined Motivation

Two Mediating Pathways of Harmonious and Obsessive Passion

Bibliographic Data

ID22004174
AuthorsWenjing Pan (0000-0003-4174-3305, Renmin University of China), Jikai Sun (0009-0004-4151-0004, University of Minnesota), Zicheng Zhu (0009-0006-6262-0741, National University of Singapore), Renwen Zhang (0000-0002-7636-9598, National University of Singapore), Xiaoning Han (0000-0003-0265-9004, Renmin University of China)
Year2025
Volume28
Issue4
Pages259-265
Publication date2025-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2152-2715 • E-ISSN: 2152-2723
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1089/cyber.2024.0428
PMID40025970
OpenAlexW4408089232
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited36

Problematic gaming has detrimental effects on individuals’ mental and physical health. Adopting the self-determination theory as a theoretical framework and differentiating two types of game motivation (self-determined vs. non-self-determined), this study examined how these two types of game motivation may be oppositely associated with gamers’ problematic gaming behaviors. By conducting a cross-sectional survey on massively multiplayer online video game players in China ( n = 1,201), the current study found that individuals’ self-determined motivation was negatively associated with their problematic gaming, while non-self-determined motivation positively predicted problematic gaming. Furthermore, these direct effects were mediated through individuals’ harmonious passion and obsessive passion while playing games, respectively. Implications were discussed in terms of problematic gaming prevention and game design

Passion · Digital Games and Media · Gambling Behavior and Treatments · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOI