Refus scolaire anxieux et addiction aux jeux vidéo chez les adolescents : une revue narrative de la littérature

Abstract

ObjectiveIn clinical practice, some adolescents present both a school refusal and a gaming disorder, most often an Internet gaming disorder. Understanding what online videogames bring to suffering adolescents, identifying the psychopathological mechanisms of these two problematic behaviors and situations where gaming becomes harmful, are necessary tools to support an often complex treatment. MethodThis review of 32 articles and books examines the similarities between the etiopathogenesis and the symptomatology of school refusal and gaming disorder. ResultsFor now, it is impossible to conclude to a direct causality between school refusal and addiction to online video games. However, common comorbidities and personality traits play a role in the coexistence of these two problematic behaviors. Video games, as a distraction, only provide temporary relief and, sometimes, prevent effective resolution of difficulties. The combination of these two behaviors questions family functioning as a trigger or maintenance factor. ConclusionSchool refusal and internet gaming disorder can coexist and mutually support each other, increasing the severity of these problematic behaviors and adding difficulty to their already complex treatment. It appears essential to study what virtual life reveals about the questionings of adolescents, to value their performance in video games, and to identify risky family functioning. A multidisciplinary support – pedagogic and therapeutic – is necessary, including serious games and non-virtual role-playing games which can support psychic empowerment and pleasure of thinking.