Files and links (1)
Free to read and download, Open Access
Dissertation
An examination of massively multiplayer online role-playing games as a facilitator of internet addiction
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Summer 2005
DOI: 10.17077/etd.hkq4t1r6
Abstract
<p>Researchers have indicated that Internet addiction is a wide-spread problem, impacting the lives of an estimated 4-10% of all Internet users. Researchers have also indicated that Internet addiction has a social component, with Internet addicts using the Internet to build and maintain new social relationships at a much higher rate than non-addicts. This study explored Internet addiction in the context of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Data were drawn from MMORPG players and from mental health counselors to determine incidence rates of Internet addiction among MMORPG players, social needs that were predictive of Internet addiction, rates of treatment seeking behaviors by MMORPG players for Internet addiction, and how Internet addiction is diagnosed and treated by mental health counselors.</p>
<p>For this study, the MMORPG Player Survey and the Counselor Survey were used to collect data from MMORPG players and mental health counselors. The MMORPG Player Survey was administered to 513 MMORPG players. The Counselor Survey was administered to 80 mental health counselors.</p>
<p>Results from the MMORPG Player Survey indicated that approximately 15% (n=78) of MMORPG players met criteria for Internet addiction, as defined by the Diagnostic Questionnaire (DQ). A stepwise regression analysis of loneliness, confidence, liberation, validation, and support found that loneliness and confidence were both predictive of Internet addiction among participants (F2,473=115.921, p< .001) with an adjusted R square of .326. Of MMORPG players surveyed, .6% (n=3) indicated that they have sought professional help for Internet addiction. Mental health counselors reported that Internet addiction was most likely to be diagnosed as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or impulse control disorder. Furthermore, mental health counselors reported that they were most likely to treat Internet addiction using one of the following theoretical orientations: cognitive, reality, family systems, or solution focused.</p>
<p>These findings highlight a subpopulation of the online community who are in need of mental health services and are not receiving them. Recommendations for future research include qualitative studies of the social aspects of MMORPG gaming among Internet addicts, as well as research exploring potential deterrents to mental health services among this population.</p>
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An examination of massively multiplayer online role-playing games as a facilitator of internet addiction
- Creators
- Jeffrey Michael Parsons - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Nicholas Colangelo (Advisor)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Education
- Date degree season
- Summer 2005
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.hkq4t1r6
- Number of pages
- 2, x, 155 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2005 Jeffrey Michael Parsons
- Language
- English
- Date copyrighted
- 2005
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-155).
- Academic Unit
- College of Education
- Record Identifier
- 9983776714202771
Metrics
11612 File views/ downloads
1793 Record Views