Examining the Role of Personality Factors in Problematic Video Game Play Associated with Facebook Games

Steve J. Groves, Jason L. Skues, Lisa Z. Wise

Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

DOI: 10.4236/sn.2015.43010                

Abstract

The current study used the structural components of Facebook games to select predictors of Problematic Video Game Play (PVGP) in relation to Facebook games. Based upon how game design and structure may interact with personality characteristics, the current study examined the effects of hypercompetitiveness, narcissism, reward responsiveness and psychological absorption on PVGP for a group of Facebook gamers. Moreover, the present study also observed how results may differ between Facebook gamers (n = 102), and a group of other (non-Facebook) gamers (n = 132). The Facebook group comprised 84% of females with an average age of 40.39 (SD = 14.00), whereas the other group of gamers consisted of 61% of males with an average age of 24.70 (SD = 7.86). Participants completed an online survey. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that an interaction between hypercompetitiveness and narcissism was the only significant predictor of PVGP for Facebook gamers. In contrast, a second structural model revealed that both hypercompetitiveness and psychological absorption were significant predictors of PVGP for other types of gamers. The findings from this study had important implications regarding the structure of video games and demographic differences between Facebook Gamers and other types of gamers.

Keywords

Video Games, Problematic Video Game Use, Social Networking Games, Facebook Games, Video Game Addiction

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Griffiths, M.D., Kuss, D.J. and King, D.L. (2012) Video Game Addition: Past, Present and Future. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 8, 308-318. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157340012803520414
[2]	Kuss, D.J., Louws, J. and Wiers, R.W. (2012) Online Gaming Addiction? Motives Predict Addictive Play Behavior in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 15, 480-485. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0034
[3]	Van Rooij, A.J., Schoenmakers, T.M., van den Eijnden, R.J., Vermulst, A.A. and van de Mheen, D. (2012) Video Game Addiction Test: Validity, and Psychometric Characteristics. Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking, 15, 507-511.
[4]	King, D.L. and Delfabbro, P.H. (2009) Motivational Differences in Problem Video Game Play. Journal of Cybertherapy and Rehabilitation, 2, 139-149.
[5]	Griffiths, M.D. (2005) A “Components” Model of Addiction within a Biopsychosocial Framework. Journal of Substance Use, 10, 191-197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14659890500114359
[6]	Gentile, D.A., Swing, E.L., Lim, C.G. and Khoo, A. (2012) Video Game Playing, Attention Problems, and Impulsiveness: Evidence of Bidirectional Causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1, 62-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0026969
[7]	Haagsma, M.C., Pieterse, M.E. and Peters, O. (2012) The Prevalence of Problematic Video Gamers in the Netherlands. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 15, 162-168. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2011.0248
[8]	Lemmens, J.S., Valkenburg, P.M. and Peter, J. (2009) Development and Validation of a Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents. Media Psychology, 12, 77-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15213260802669458
[9]	Mentzoni, R.A., Brunborg, G.S., Molde, H., Myrseth, H., Skouver?e, K.J.M. and Hetland, J. (2011) Problematic Video Game Use: Estimated Prevalence and Associations with Mental and Physical Health. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 14, 591-596. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2010.0260
[10]	Rehbein, F., Kleimann, M. and M?ssle, T. (2010) Prevalence and Risk Factors of Video Game Dependency in Adolescence: Results of a German Nationwide Survey. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 13, 269-277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0227
[11]	Mehroof, M. and Griffiths, M.D. (2010) Online Gaming Addiction: The Role of Sensation Seeking, Self-Control, Neu- roticism, Aggression, State Anxiety, and Trait Anxiety, Cyberpsychology. Behaviour and Social Networking, 13, 314- 316. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2009.0229
[12]	Peters, C.S. and Malesky, L.A. (2008) Problematic Usage among Highly-Engaged Players of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games. Cyberpsychology & Behavior: The Impact of the Internet, Multimedia and Virtual Reality on Behavior and Society, 11, 481-484. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2007.0140
[13]	Walther, B., Morgenstern, M. and Hanewinkel, R. (2012) Co-Occurrence of Addictive Behaviours Related to Substance Use, Gambling and Computer Gaming. European Addiction Research, 18, 167-174. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000335662
[14]	King, D.L., Delfabbro, P.H. and Griffiths, M.D. (2010) Video Game Structural Characteristics: A New Psychological Taxonomy. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 8, 90-106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9206-4
[15]	Groves, S.J., Skues, J.L. and Wise, L.Z. (2014) Assessing The Potential Risks Associated with Facebook Game Use. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 12, 670-685. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9502-5
[16]	Thompson, M. (2013) Facebook Reveals New Growth Stats; 20 Percent of Web Users Play Games Every Day. http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2013/03/26/facebook-reveals-new-growth-stats-20-percent-of-web-users-play-games-every-day/
[17]	Maiberg, E. (2013) Top 25 Facebook Games of May 2013. http://www.insidesocialgames.com/ 2013/05/01/the top-25-facebook-games-of-may-2013/
[18]	Elliott, L., Golub, A., Ream, G. and Dunlap, E. (2012) Video Game Genre as a Predictor of Problem Use. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 15, 155-216. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2011.0387
[19]	King, D.L., Delfabbro, P.H. and Griffiths, M.D. (2010) The Role of Structural Characteristics in Problematic Video Game Play: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 9, 320-333. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-010-9289-y
[20]	Lee, J., Lee, M. and Choi, I.H. (2012) Social Network Games Uncovered: Motivations and Their Attitudinal and Behavioral Outcomes. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 15, 643-648. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0093
[21]	Vorderer, P., Hartmann, T. and Klimmt, C. (2003) Explaining the Enjoyment of Playing Video Games: The Role of Competition. ICEC 2003: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Entertainment Computing, Pittsburgh, 8-10 May 2003, 1-9.
[22]	Horney, K. (1937) The Neurotic Personality of Our Time. Norton, New York.
[23]	Ryckman, R.M., Hammer, M., Kaczor, L.M. and Gold, J.A. (1990) Construction of a Hypercompetitive Attitude Scale. Journal of Personality and Assessment, 55, 630-639. http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa5503&4_19
[24]	Ames, D.R., Rose, P. and Anderson, C.P. (2006) The NPI-16 as a Short Measure For Narcissism. Journal of Research in Personality, 40, 440-450. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2005.03.002
[25]	Kim, E.J., Namkoong, K., Ku, T. and Kim, S.J. (2008) The Relationship between Online Game Addiction and Aggression, Self-Control and Narcissistic Personality Traits. European Psychiatry: The Journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 23, 212-220. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.10.010
[26]	Gray, J.A. (1987) Perspectives on Anxiety and Impulsivity: A Commentary. Journal of Research in Personality, 21, 493-509. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0092-6566(87)90036-5
[27]	Carver, C.S. and White, T.L. (1994) Behavioral Inhibition, Behavioral Activation, and Affective Responses to Impending Reward and Punishment: The BIS/BAS Scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67, 319-333. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.2.319
[28]	Carver, C.S. (2004) Negative Affects Deriving from the Behavioural Approach System. Emotion, 4, 3-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1528-3542.4.1.3
[29]	Wood, R.T.A., Griffiths, M.D. and Parke, A. (2007) Experiences of Time Loss among Videogame Players: An Empirical Study. Cyberpsychology and Behaviour, 10, 38-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2006.9994
[30]	Carleton, R.N., Abrams, M.P. and Asmundson, G.J.G. (2010) The Attentional Resource Allocation Scale (ARAS): Psychometric Properties of a Composite Measure for Dissociation and Absorption. Depression and Anxiety, 27, 775- 786. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/da.20656
[31]	Karlsen, F. (2011) Entrapment and Near Miss: A Comparative Analysis of Psycho-Structural Elements in Gambling Games and Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 9, 193-207. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-010-9275-4
[32]	Neuman, L. (2006) Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 6th Edition, Pearson Education, New York.
[33]	King, D.L., Delfabbro, P.H. and Zajac, I.T. (2011) Preliminary Validation of a New Clinical Tool for Identifying Problem Video Game Playing. International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, 9, 72-87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9254-9
[34]	Cronbach, L.J. (1951) Coefficient Alpha and the Internal Structure of Tests. Psychometrika, 16, 297-334. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02310555
[35]	King, D.L., Haagsma, M.C., Delfabbro, P.H., Gradisar, M. and Griffiths, M.D. (2013) Toward a Consensus on the De- finition of Pathological Video-Gaming: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Assessment Tools. Clinical Psychology Review, 33, 331-342. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.01.002
[36]	Lortie, C.L. and Guitton, M.J. (2013) Internet Addiction Assessment Tools: Dimensional Structure and Methodological Status. Addiction, 108, 1207-1216. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.12202
[37]	Luchner, A.F., Houston, J.M., Walker, C. and Houston, A.M. (2011) Exploring the Relationship between Two Forms of Narcissism and Competitiveness. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 779-782. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.033
[38]	Ryckman, R.M., Thornton, B. and Butler, J.C. (1994) Personality Correlates of the Hypercompetitive Attitude Scale: Validity Tests of Horney’s Theory of Neurosis. Journal of Personality Assessment, 62, 84-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa6201_8
[39]	Raskin, R. and Terry, H. (1988) A Principal-Components Analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and Further Evidence of its Construct Validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 890-902. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.54.5.890
[40]	Cooper, A., Gomez, R. and Aucote, H. (2007) The Behavioural Inhibition System and Behavioural Approach System (BIS/BAS) Scales: Measurement and Structural Invariance across Adults and Adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 42, 295-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.11.023
[41]	Demianczyk, A.C., Jenkins, A.L., Henson, J.M. and Conner, B.T. (2014) Psychometric Evaluation and Revision of Carver and White BIS/BAS Scales in a Diverse Sample of Young Adults. Journal of Personality Assessment, 96, 485- 494. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2013.870570
[42]	Marsh, H.W., Wen, Z.L. and Hau, K.-T. (2004) Structural Equation Models of Latent Interactions: Evaluation of Alternative Estimation Strategies and Indicator Variables. Psychological Methods, 9, 275-300. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1082-989X.9.3.275
[43]	Kline, R. (2011) Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modelling. 3rd Edition, The Guilford Press, New York.
[44]	Dillon, W.R., Kumar, A. and Mulani, N. (1987) Offending Estimates in Covariance Structure Analysis: Comments on the Causes of and Solutions to Heywood Cases. Psychological Bulletin, 101, 126-135. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.101.1.126
[45]	Chen. K.A., Bollen, A., Paxton, P., Curran, P.J. and Kirby, J.B. (2001) Improper Solutions in Structural Equation Models: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies. Sociological Methods & Research, 29, 468-508. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0049124101029004003
[46]	Shaw, A. (2012) Do You Identify as a Gamer? Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Gamer Identity. New Media Society, 14, 28-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1461444811410394
[47]	Wu, P.C. (2013) Addictive Behaviour in Relation to the Happy Farm Application. Social Behaviour and Personality, 41, 539-554. http://dx.doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2013.41.4.539
[48]	Griffiths, M.D. (2010) The Role of Context in Online Gaming Excess and Addiction: Some Case Study Evidence. International Journal of Mental Health Addiction, 8, 119-125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9229-x
[49]	Wang, H. and Sun, C.T. (2011) Game Reward Systems: Gaming Experiences and Social Meanings. Proceedings of DiGRA 2011 Conference: Think Design Play, 14-17 September 2011, Hilversum, 1-12.