AVATAR IDENTIFICATION IN PROBLEMATIC GAMING: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Video games are becoming ever more sophisticated, immersive and prevalent throughout society, and research into the impact of problematic gaming (PG; or gaming disorder) is nascent. The theory of avatar identification, where a player merges their identity with a game character, provides a promising model to understand the phenomenon of PG in avatar-based games. This study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore how five participants with lived experiences of PG related to their in-game avatars. Analysis of interviews yielded three superordinate themes. In the first theme, participants describe how particular games became safe escapes from real-world stressors. The second theme documents the strong social identity factors that motivated participants to game to extremes. The final theme relates what helped participants manage or quit their gaming. These findings are discussed in relation to relevant literature and how they may influence professional practice and future research directions.