Behavior In Game Research Articles

Theoretical and Empirical Integration of “Dark” Traits and Socially Aversive Personality Psychopathology

Conceptual work integrating constructs from mainstream personality research (especially so-called “dark” traits) and clinical psychopathology research has been limited. Herein, we propose all socially and/or ethically aversive traits as “flavored” manifestations of the D factor of personality (D). We argue that the D framework provides the commonality of all aversive traits, including the aversive traits from the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), a more thorough theoretical foundation. Moreover, D covers aspects that are not captured by any of the aversive AMPD traits directly (e.g., greed), thus offering indications for possible expansions to the AMPD. We tested our predictions in two online studies (N = 1,781 and N = 2,006) using quota-representative samples of the German population regarding age and gender. Twelve aversive traits from mainstream personality research and eight aversive AMPD traits were assessed together with consequential behavior in an economic game. Analyses using structural equation modeling overall confirmed predictions.

Attention Problems and Academic Achievement in Different Age Groups: The Role of Game Addiction

Attention problems negatively impact academic achievement in students. Although previous studies have investigated the underlying mechanism of this association, the potential mediating role of game addiction has been understudied, particularly among different age stages. This study examined the mediating effect of game addiction on this relationship among secondary school (n=554, Mage=14.34), high school (n=450, Mage=15.6), and college students (n=572, Mage=19.13). Participants completed questionnaires assessing attention problems, game addiction, and academic achievement. Results showed that game addiction mediated the association between attention problems and academic achievement in secondary school students, but not high school students. College students exhibited an indirect effect of attention problems on academic achievement through game addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of limiting gaming behavior to improve academic performance and mitigate the negative effects of attention problems.

Purpose matters: Video gaming impacts on addiction symptoms and academic performance of students with disabilities

Video games are often considered a distraction or impediment to academic engagement and performance for college students with disabilities. Evidence suggests that students with disabilities may be more susceptible to excessive use of video games. This study explores the relationships between the time spent playing video games and the purpose of playing video game addiction symptoms, academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, and academic performance among college students with disabilities. An online survey was used to guide the data collection, and two hundred ninety-three college students with disabilities completed the survey. The results showed a positive relationship between time spent playing video games and video game addiction symptoms. However, playing frequency did not negatively affect students’ academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, or academic performance. Importantly, when the main purpose for playing video games was not entertainment-related, a significant association was found between video game addiction symptoms, academic cognitive engagement, and peer relationships. This suggested that the purposes for playing video games are more indicative than the frequency of playing for problem gaming behaviors. Suggestions and implications were discussed.

Physical activity, problematic gaming behavior, and quality of life prior and during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a longitudinal study among university students.

Generally, there is limited information on longitudinal trends and the interrelations between physical activity (PA), problematic gaming behavior (PGB), described as a dysfunctional pattern of videogame activities, and quality of life (QoL) based on data that include measurements from both pre- and postpandemic onset. This is also the case for university students. As society faced unprecedented restrictions during this period, these aspects may have developed unfavorably. To examine PA, PGB, and QoL among Norwegian University students prior to and during the initial stages of the pandemic and assess their temporal interrelations. The data are derived from the "Students' Psychological Health Over Time" study (SPOT). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development from January 2020 to November 2020 over three time points for the total sample and across gender. A traditional cross-lagged panel model analysis was used to estimate temporal associations. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, and partner status were included as covariates. PA and QoL decreased linearly over time (Cohen's d = 0.12 and 0.35, respectively), while only male students reported a small reduction in PGB (Cohen's d = 0.03). PA levels decreased considerably more for male students than female students (Cohen's d = 0.17 and 0.09, respectively). There was a small reciprocal negative temporal association between PA and PGB (standardized β = -0.04 and -0.05, respectively). All other temporal associations were not statistically significant in the adjusted analysis. The findings highlight gender-variant negative developments in PA and QoL and suggest a negative reciprocal interrelation between PA and PGB. The findings point to potential adverse health effects that should be taken into account when restrictive pandemic measures are considered.

The prevalence and possible risk factors of gaming disorder among adolescents in China.

Nowadays, moderate gaming behaviors can be a pleasant and relaxing experiences among adolescents. However, excessive gaming behavior may lead to gaming disorder (GD) that disruption of normal daily life. Understanding the possible risk factors of this emerging problem would help to suggest effective at preventing and intervening. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of GD and analyze its possible risk factors that adolescents with GD. Data were collected between October 2020 and January 2021. In total, a sample of 7901 students (4080 (52%) boys, 3742 (48%) girls; aged 12-18 years) completed questionnaires regarding the Gaming-Related Behaviors Survey, Gaming Disorder Symptom Questionnaire-21 (GDSQ-21); Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS Scale); Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ); Short-form Egna Minnenav Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese (s-EMBU-C); and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC). The prevalence of GD was 2.27% in this adolescent sample. The GD gamers were a little bit older (i.e., a higher proportion of senior grades), more boys, with more gaming hours per week in the last 12 months, with more reward responsiveness, maternal rejecting and occurrence of negative life events (e.g., interpersonal relationships, being punished and bereavement factors). These possible risk factors may influence the onset of GD. Future research in clinical, public health, education and other fields should focus on these aspects for provide target prevention and early intervention strategies.

Reducing Disruptive and Distracting Behaviors in the Classroom: Assessing the Evidence Base.

Disruptive and distracting behaviors in the classroom, from off-task to aggressive behaviors, negatively affect academic engagement and achievement and can lead to more serious problems, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The goals of this systematic review were to assess the level of evidence, using established rating criteria, for interventions aimed at preventing or reducing disruptive and distracting classroom behaviors; identify program components common to multiple interventions; synthesize the evidence in regard to students from different racial-ethnic groups; and conduct an economic analysis of these interventions. A search of major databases, gray literature, and evidence base registries was conducted to identify studies published between 2008 and 2022. The authors rated interventions as having high, moderate, or low levels of evidence of effectiveness on the basis of the number and rigor of studies with positive outcomes. Of the 27 interventions identified across 65 studies (N=73 articles), six interventions received a high or moderate evidence rating. The Good Behavior Game was the most frequently studied intervention. Many interventions shared similar program components, including behavioral management, classroom management, emotional-cognitive processes, and skills acquisition. Most articles (86%) were focused on elementary school students. The four interventions rated as having high evidence of effectiveness also showed generally positive outcomes in studies conducted in school settings with racial-ethnic diversity. No studies met the criteria for inclusion in an economic analysis. With greater use and more research, interventions focusing on reducing disruptive and distracting behaviors have the potential to promote student well-being and prevent mental health conditions.

Real-effort in the Multilevel Public Goods Game

Abstract We investigate the extent to which a real-effort effect and an inequality effect impact individuals’ prosocial behavior in the multilevel public goods game. We explore two symmetrical treatments: one where everyone participates in a preliminary task to obtain their initial endowment, and another where no one does, to assess the real-effort effect. Additionally, we examine two asymmetrical treatments where only individuals from one local group engage in the preliminary task to study the inequality effect. We find evidence that the contribution to the local public good is stable across all treatments, while the contribution to the global public good is significantly lower when both groups perform the preliminary task.

Research on Strategy Optimization of Green Agricultural Production Trusteeship to Promote Black Land Protection

The whole trusteeship of green agricultural production plays an important role in promoting the protection of black land, and it is particularly crucial to clarify the behavioral characteristics and game relationships of agents involved in the whole trusteeship. This study uses the dynamic evolutionary game method to construct a tripartite evolutionary game model of governments, service organizations and farmers participating in the whole trusteeship of green agricultural production, aiming to come up with effective strategies to promote the widespread application of green agricultural production trusteeship and achieve agricultural green development. The results are as follows: (1) At present, the agricultural production model in Northeast China is dominated by traditional agricultural production and supplemented by green agricultural production. (2) Incentive and punitive measures will encourage agents to adopt positive strategies. (3) In areas with a poor awareness of green agricultural production trusteeship, the government’s incentive and punishment measures for farmers and service organizations are imbalanced. (4) The relatively high cost of trusteeship leads to a lack of market competitiveness, which has a negative impact on service organizations promoting green agricultural production trusteeship. This study provides an effective reference for improving the overall implementation effect of black land protection in Northeast China.

Research on triple helix innovation behaviour selection and influencing factors in innovation ecosystem

ABSTRACT The innovation ecosystem is the relatively stable state that constitutes the behavioural game of the main body, and the triple helix is the key to construct the innovation ecosystem. This paper explores the interactions between the triple helix in the innovation ecosystem by constructing an evolutionary game model to clarify their innovation behaviour choices and influencing factors. And further analyse the interaction regulations between subjects through parametric simulation. Based on the results of game modelling, the behavioural strategies are proposed to maintain the effective operation of the innovation ecosystem under the stable state of the three parties’ evolution. This research idea has a wide application in exploring the relationship between different subjects in the innovation ecosystem, providing theoretical and practical guidance for the choice of the innovation behaviour of government, enterprises, and universities in the innovation ecosystem.

Multi‐agent behavioral strategy game and synergy evolution path of the retired power battery recycling system

AbstractIn the era of transitioning to a low‐carbon economy, China's electric vehicle market is experiencing exponential growth, a trend that is mirrored by the burgeoning market for the recycling of used power batteries. This rapid expansion underscores the urgency of enhancing the power battery recycling system. However, the lack of sufficient engagement from consumers and recyclers in the recycling system currently impedes the formation of a cohesive recycling effort. To tackle this issue, we introduce a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, battery recyclers, and consumers. By analyzing the evolutionary stability strategies (ESSs) and their stability conditions, we delineate the synergetic development paths of them. Numerical examples illustrate the model's effectiveness and explore how government incentive policies can affect the strategic decisions of other participants. Our findings suggest that establishing incentive policies by the government in the early stage of the power battery industry is crucial for fostering a synergetic recycling system that is led by the government, involved by the community, and driven by the market.

Advice and behavior in a dictator game: An experimental study

We experimentally examine the effects of advice on decision making in a dictator game in which participants receive no advice, selfish advice, or fair advice before making decisions and the advisors do not benefit from the decision makers’ actions. We find that participants receiving fair advice are more inclined to exhibit fair behavior, whereas those receiving selfish advice are more likely to act selfishly; however, no significant difference in magnitude between the effects of fair and selfish advice is found. We also discover that both types of advice have a more pronounced impact on participants with relatively lower social tendencies, as indicated by the social value orientation test. This study is the first to directly demonstrate the impact of fair and selfish advice in moral dilemmas.

Evolutionary Tripartite Game Model in the Coal Mine Risk-Hazard Double Pre-Control and Management in China

The classification, investigation, and management of the safety risk (namely, risk-hazard double pre-control management mechanism) in coal mines were introduced into a behavioral evolution game to assess the decision-making processes of coal mine workers, regulators, and supervisors. A tripartite game tree and a revenue perception matrix were constructed, and the evolutionary stability strategy (ESS) achieved by the evolutionary system under different conditions was obtained according to the replication dynamic equation (RD). The numerical simulation of the evolution game was conducted in MATLAB, which verified the influence of various parameters on the behaviors adopted by all parties. The results show: (1) When the safety, regulatory, and supervisory costs are high, the average expected value of mine workers, regulators, and supervisors to choose safety behaviors is low, so they adopt an unsafe behavior. By contrast, reducing costs can encourage the adoption of safety behaviors. (2) When the punishment for accident losses caused by unsafe behavior and the lack of regulations and supervision is higher than 50% of the initial state, the actors in the tripartite game are more inclined to avoid risks when facing cost losses in the short term, which can lead them to choose a safety behavior. (3) When the actors in the tripartite game face different accident probabilities and accident loss, with the severity of the accident increasing to 80% of the initial state, mine workers and regulators gradually adopt safety and regulation behaviors, and supervisors quickly adopt supervision methods.

Impact of the gut microbiome composition on social decision-making.

There is increasing evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in the regulation of socio-affective behavior in animals and clinical conditions. However, whether and how the composition of the gut microbiome may influence social decision-making in health remains unknown. Here, we tested the causal effects of a 7-week synbiotic (vs. placebo) dietary intervention on altruistic social punishment behavior in an ultimatum game. Results showed that the intervention increased participants' willingness to forgo a monetary payoff when treated unfairly. This change in social decision-making was related to changes in fasting-state serum levels of the dopamine-precursor tyrosine proposing a potential mechanistic link along the gut-microbiota-brain-behavior axis. These results improve our understanding of the bidirectional role body-brain interactions play in social decision-making and why humans at times act "irrationally" according to standard economic theory.

Gaming habits, cognitive flexibility and sleep quality among gamers

In the modern era, gaming has emerged as a predominant recreational activity among young adults, prompting an examination into its impact on cognitive flexibility and sleep quality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of gaming habits on cognitive flexibility and sleep quality among gamers and to understand the relationship between them. The study was conducted among individuals ranging from 18-26 of age range. The study used a convenient sampling method and data from 150 gamers were collected and analyzed utilizing statistical methodologies such as Spearman’s correlation and Simple Linear Regression using IBM SPSS. The study uncovered significant correlations between gaming habits and both cognitive flexibility and sleep quality. Furthermore, it revealed a positive association, indicating that gaming habits have a positive influence on both cognitive flexibility and sleep quality. These findings provide valuable insights for taking initiatives aimed at promoting balanced gaming behaviors and enhance awareness about the importance of maintaining optimal sleep hygiene practices in gaming communities.

Public goods and bads with vulnerable individuals: How information and social nudges change behaviour

AbstractIn a diverse society, heterogeneous returns to public goods (PG) and public bads (PB) are more often the rule rather than the exception, and often the returns from the public pool are such that individuals who are most affected no longer have incentives to free ride on others. We consider this set‐up through a laboratory experiment and investigate how heterogeneity of marginal per capita returns (MPCRs) affect economic cooperation in both PG and PB games. We also examine whether information on heterogeneity—no information, information and information with a plea to help those who are most affected by the public pool—changes cooperation. Our results show that information regarding the heterogeneity does not change individual behaviour in both PG and PB games. However, a social plea to help individuals with MPCRs of 1.20 increases average group efficiency. Average individual contributions under the social plea treatment are either maintained or increased. Those with MPCRs of 1.20 are more cooperative than their counterparts but not as completely as theoretically predicted. The exact same individual is also more cooperative under a PG game than under a PB game; a result that remains unchanged whether MPCRs are homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Examining leisure constraints and motivations within the psychological continuum model: a study among recreational video gamers

ABSTRACT This study investigates perceived leisure constraints and motivations among Iranian gamers, employing the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM). Targeting recreational gamers under 30 years old, dedicating 1 to 6 hours per week to gaming, we utilised (D. Funk et al. 2008) PCM stages questionnaire, Crawford’s et al. (1991) perceived hierarchical leisure constraints questionnaire, and Cianfrone et al. (2011) motivations questionnaire. Our analysis, featuring One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for constraints and motivations across PCM stages and Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) for psychological communication, revealed compelling insights. Results indicate a noteworthy increase in perceived constraints with PCM progression (p < 0.05), highlighting significant differences in dimensions such as interest, time involvement, facilities, cost, and interpersonal aspects (p < 0.05). Concurrently, motivations progressively rise with PCM advancement, showcasing significant variations in competition, diversion, fantasy, and social interaction dimensions (p < 0.01). This study’s significant findings illuminate the evolving landscape of constraints and motivations across distinct PCM stages, offering valuable implications for comprehending gaming behaviours within this demographic.

Disordered gaming: the interplay between user-avatar bond and sexual minority status

ABSTRACT Online gamers represent themselves virtually through their in-game avatar, providing opportunities for connection and self-expression. Prior research indicates associations between aspects of the user-avatar bond (UAB) and more intensive gaming involvement. However, experiences may vary based on individual differences like sexual minority status (i.e. LGBTIQ+), warranting further investigation. Thus, the present study examined whether UAB profiles varied for heterosexual versus non-heterosexual gamers, to elucidate potential discrepancies in avatar engagement and gaming experiences related to sexual orientation. The study comprised an Australian community sample of 488 players (48.2% women, 73.3% heterosexual, Mage = 31.6 years) of Massive Multiplayer Online games. An online survey assessed demographic characteristics, user-avatar bond (UAB), and disordered gaming – which was additionally measured after six months (n = 270). Latent profile analysis revealed the presence of four UAB profiles: Compensated, Differentiated, Identified, and Moderate gamers. There was no association between one’s UAB profile and their sexual orientation. No interaction was observed between sexual orientation, UAB profile, and disordered gaming behaviour. However, differentiated gamers (characterised by weaker UAB connection) displayed significantly lower disordered gaming scores cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Findings highlight variations in how heterosexual and non-heterosexual identifying gamers connect with their gaming avatar, cautioning definitive and stereotypical assumptions.

When the Relationship Is at Stake: Parents' Perception of the Relationship with a Child with Problematic Gaming and Their Perceived Need for Support.

Intrapersonal parental factors play a significant role in the development of problematic gaming in children. However, few studies have explored parental perspectives on their relationship with a child engaged in problematic gaming, as well as the need for support parents perceive in relation to the child's gaming. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 parents (83.3% women) of 11 children (81.8% boys, Mage = 15 ± 2) to examine how parents of children with problematic gaming behavior perceive the parent-child relationship and their need for additional support. We analyzed qualitative accounts using thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes while drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Aaron Antonovsky's theory of sense of coherence (SOC) and Jürgen Habermas' theory of logic. Participants described difficulties regarding all three components of SOC (meaningfulness, comprehensibility, and manageability) in relation to their child's gaming, with the most significant challenge being manageability. Parents primarily sought assistance from institutions and organizations, such as mental health services, to enhance manageability. The findings emphasize parents' need for relational and practical support tailored to their unique context, as well as their wish to be more involved in the treatment of their children.

Esports for development? Exploring esports player profiles and their development and well-being outcomes

PurposeThis study aimed to identify subgroups of esports players based on their gaming behavior patterns across game genres and compare self-efficacy, social efficacy, loneliness and three dimensions of quality of life between these subgroups.Design/methodology/approach324 participants were recruited from prolific academic to complete an online survey. We employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups of esports players based on their behavioral patterns across genres. Additionally, a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to test the association between cluster memberships and development and well-being outcomes, controlling for age and gender as covariates.FindingsLPA analysis identified five clusters (two single-genre gamer groups, two multigenre gamer groups and one all-genre gamer group). Univariate analyses indicated the significant effect of the clusters on social efficacy, psychological health and social health. Pairwise comparisons highlighted the salience of the physical enactment-plus-sport simulation genre group in these outcomes.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of the development and well-being benefits experienced by various esports consumers, as well as the role of specific gameplay in facilitating targeted outcomes among these consumer groups.

Pro-social mission and honesty – an artefactual field experiment with fundraising professionals

Using priming, we explored how fundraisers’ professional identity influences their reporting behavior in a coin-toss game. While unprimed fundraisers exhibited a payoff-maximizing behavior, primed participants did not show this behavior.