3 - Risk and protective factors for IGD

Abstract

This chapter will summarize some of the known risk and protective factors for Internet gaming disorder (IGD). This work will expand on the material presented in Chapter 2 concerning theories and models of IGD, by describing some of the ways that individuals may be vulnerable or susceptible to developing problematic gaming behaviors. The greater presence of risk factors and the absence of protective factors increase the likelihood of progression to gaming disorder. Three main categories of factors will be discussed, including: (1) individual differences (e.g., demographic, personality, comorbidity, and neuropsychological features); (2) external factors (i.e., upbringing, social, and environmental variables); and (3) game-related factors (i.e., the structural elements and design of games). Some of these factors have been found to commonly cooccur, suggesting that there may be some “profiles” of users who are more vulnerable to developing gaming-related problems or IGD than others. One such risk group includes young males with low self-esteem and mood symptoms, with a history of unregulated gaming and a lack of real-life achievement, who seek out online gaming experiences for coping and social recognition. The identification of modifiable risk factors has important implications for interventions and harm reduction strategies targeting problem gaming and IGD.