Excessive Computer Game Playing among Norwegian Adults: Self-Reported Consequences of Playing and Association with Mental Health Problems

Computer games are the most advanced form of gaming. For most people, the playing is an uncomplicated leisure activity; however, for a minority the gaming becomes excessive and is associated with negative consequences. The aim of the present study was to investigate computer game-playing behaviour i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychological reports 2009-12, Vol.105 (3_suppl), p.1237-1247
Main Authors: Wenzel, H. G., Bakken, I. J., Johansson, A., Götestam, K. G., Øren, Anita
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Behavior, Addictive - epidemiology
Behavior, Addictive - psychology
Comorbidity
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders - epidemiology
Mental Disorders - psychology
Middle Aged
Norway
Sex Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Video Games - statistics & numerical data
Young Adult
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Summary:Computer games are the most advanced form of gaming. For most people, the playing is an uncomplicated leisure activity; however, for a minority the gaming becomes excessive and is associated with negative consequences. The aim of the present study was to investigate computer game-playing behaviour in the general adult Norwegian population, and to explore mental health problems and self-reported consequences of playing. The survey includes 3,405 adults 16 to 74 years old (Norway 2007, response rate 35.3%). Overall, 65.5% of the respondents reported having ever played computer games (16-29 years, 93.9%; 30-39 years, 85.0%; 40-59 years, 56.2%; 60-74 years, 25.7%). Among 2,170 players, 89.8% reported playing less than 1 hr. as a daily average over the last month, 5.0% played 1-2 hr. daily 3.1% played 2–4 hr. daily, and 2.2% reported playing>4 hr. daily. The strongest risk factor for playing > 4 hr. daily was being an online player, followed by male gender, and single marital status. Reported negative consequences of computer game playing increased strongly with average daily playing time. Furthermore, prevalence of self-reported sleeping problems, depression, suicide ideations, anxiety, obsessions/compulsions, and alcohol/substance abuse increased with increasing playing time. This study showed that adult populations should also be included in research on computer game-playing behaviour and its consequences.
ISSN:0033-2941
1558-691X
DOI:10.2466/PR0.105.F.1237-1247