Abstract

Problematic video game use (PVGU), or addiction-like use of video games, affects a significant portion of the population and is associated with various negative physical and mental health problems. Given existing research regarding PVGU and gambling disorder, as well as the recent convergence of gambling and video gaming activities, studying correlates of gambling disorder in the context of PVGU may help identify novel correlates of PVGU that can be used to improve assessment and intervention. The aim of the current study was to examine correlates of gambling disorder, such as gaming fallacies and perceived locus of control, as potential predictors of PVGU using structural equation modeling. Data were collected through an online survey comprising measures of PVGU and various potential correlates of PVGU. The sample included 3,481 adults between the ages 18 and 74 (M = 25.08, SD = 7.02; 79.8% cisgender male; 11.1% Hispanic; 77.4% Caucasian, 8.5% Asian or Asian American, 5.4% identifying as mixed race, 5.2% identifying as Other, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American or Alaskan Native, and 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander). The final model fit the data very well, χ2 (69) = 278.846, p < .05; RMSEA = 0.034 (90% CI [.030, .038]); CFI = 0.959; SRMR = .027. As hypothesized, vi Gaming Fallacies, Locus of Control, and participants' video game use all had significant, positive relationships with PVGU. The large effect size of the combination of predictors suggests a clinically significant relationship, and considering these multiple correlates in combination may result in more effective assessment and treatment of PVGU.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Holly E. R. Morrell

Second Advisor

Colleen A. Brenner

Third Advisor

Whitney Brown

Fourth Advisor

Patricia Flynn

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Date (Title Page)

9-2021

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Video Games - psychology; Gambling

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

vi, 65 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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