Online gaming addiction decreases life satisfaction, according to a recent study, which attributes this outcome to emotional schemas.
In a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have shed light on the critical role of emotional schemas in the relationship between online gaming addiction and life satisfaction. Emotional schemas, as defined in the study, are the patterns of beliefs and strategies individuals use to understand, interpret, and manage their emotions.
The research found that emotional schemas act as a mediating factor, linking online gaming addiction to lower life satisfaction. When individuals develop maladaptive emotional schemas, they may be more vulnerable to using online gaming as a coping strategy for negative emotional experiences and psychological distress. Over time, these maladaptive coping mechanisms can lead to problematic gaming behaviours or addiction, which, in turn, negatively impacts overall life satisfaction.
The study revealed that psychological distress, including negative emotional states like stress, anxiety, and depression, often drives individuals towards gaming as a convenient way to alleviate distress. Over time, these maladaptive emotional schemas reinforce gaming addiction, which, in turn, mediates the effect of distress on reduced life satisfaction.
The findings align with the I-PACE model, which views problematic gaming as a maladaptive strategy to manage negative emotions. Thus, emotional schemas not only contribute to the onset of gaming addiction but also impact life satisfaction by shaping how stress and emotions are handled through gaming.
The study involved 549 university students in Türkiye, with participants largely aged around 21 and playing online games regularly. The researchers believe their findings could be useful for designing targeted mental health interventions to help students and young adults build healthier emotional habits.
In summary, the study highlights the importance of emotional awareness and regulation for navigating not only digital temptations but also overall psychological well-being. By addressing emotional schemas, therapists may be able to help reduce the need for gaming as a form of escape, ultimately leading to improved life satisfaction.
[1] Reference for further reading: Kaya, M., & Çınar, A. (2021). The role of emotional schemas in explaining online gaming addiction and life satisfaction among university students. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-12.
- The study reveals that emotional schemas, as patterns of beliefs and strategies individuals use to manage their emotions, can mediate the impact of online gaming addiction on life satisfaction.
- The findings suggest that maladaptive emotional schemas, which individuals might develop to cope with psychological distress like stress, anxiety, and depression, can reinforce gaming addiction, leading to reduced life satisfaction.
- The study indicates that understanding and addressing emotional schemas could be beneficial in designing health-and-wellness interventions aimed at helping young adults and university students build healthier emotional habits, potentially reducing problematic gaming behavior or addiction.
- As technology continues to shape our mental health landscape, the integration of science-backed therapies-and-treatments and gadgets could play a significant role in promoting mental health and overall well-being, particularly in managing emotions and preventing the development of maladaptive emotional schemas.
