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Assessing Problematic Video Gaming Using the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Longitudinal Study of Dutch Young People

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Abstract

Although excessive video gaming has been linked to a range of psychological problems in young people, there have been few systematic attempts to conceptualize problem gaming using established psychological theory. The aim of this study was to examine problematic game use (PGU) using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A two-wave, six-month longitudinal study examined relationships between core components of the TPB model, video gaming activity and problematic video-game play. Respondents were recruited from nine pre-vocational and senior vocational schools in the western region of the Netherlands. The sample consisted of 810 video game-playing adolescents and young adults (72.8 % boys) aged 12 to 22 years. The results showed that TPB predictors, including subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC) and descriptive norm, explained 13 % of the variance in video gaming intention. Although TBP variables accounted for a significant amount of variance in PGU scores at baseline, the TPB model was less useful in predicting future gaming behavior and PGU. Perceived behavioral control was found to be the most important factor in predicting problem video-gaming behavior, this has some practical implications with regard to the treatment of problem video-gaming among young people. For example, assessing a client’s perceived lack of control over gaming may be a simple but useful screening measure to evaluate risk of future problem play. Furthermore, treatment strategies may be aimed at helping the client to rebuild self-control.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Brijder Addiction Care Group for assisting with data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, University of Twente, Citadel Building, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands

    Maria C. Haagsma & Marcel E. Pieterse

  2. School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Hughes Building, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Daniel L. King

  3. Department of Media, Communication & Organization, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, University of Twente, Cubicus Building, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands

    Oscar Peters

Authors
  1. Maria C. Haagsma
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  2. Daniel L. King
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  3. Marcel E. Pieterse
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  4. Oscar Peters
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Correspondence to Maria C. Haagsma.

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Haagsma, M.C., King, D.L., Pieterse, M.E. et al. Assessing Problematic Video Gaming Using the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Longitudinal Study of Dutch Young People. Int J Ment Health Addiction 11, 172–185 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-012-9407-0

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