REAL

Video gaming and gaming addiction in transgender people: An exploratory study

Arcelus, Jon and Bouman, Walter Pierre and Jones, Bethany Alice and Richards, Christina and Jimenez-Murcia, Susana and Griffiths, Mark D. (2017) Video gaming and gaming addiction in transgender people: An exploratory study. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6 (1). pp. 21-29. ISSN 2062-5871

[img]
Preview
Text
2006.6.2017.002.pdf

Download (129kB) | Preview

Abstract

<sec sec-type="background"> Background There is anecdotal clinical evidence that transgender people use the online world – such as forums and online video gaming – for the purpose of experiencing their gender identity in a safe, non-threatening, non-alienating, non-stigmatizing, and non-critical environment.<sec sec-type="aims"> Aims To describe gaming behavior, degree of problematic gaming behavior and associated factors with problematic gaming in a comparatively large group of transgender people accessing transgender health services. Methods Every individual referred to a national transgender health service in the United Kingdom during a 12-month period was invited to complete a series of questionnaires to measure gaming behavior, interpersonal functioning, severity of autistic features, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results A total of 245 people agreed to participate in the study with 154 (62.9%) describing themselves as current gamers. Gaming behavior in the transgender population attending transgender health services was prevalent, but less than 1% of them presented with clinical scores for Internet Gaming Disorder, with no differences according to gender. Problematic gaming behavior was associated with general interpersonal problems, depression, and young age. Discussion and conclusions Transgender people who engage in problematic gaming behavior are younger, and present with high interpersonal problems, and depression, which can affect a successful transition. In view of the high levels of gaming activity in this population games that are designed to address these psychological problems may be well received by transgender people.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion / filozófia, pszichológia, vallás > BF Psychology / lélektan
Depositing User: László Sallai-Tóth
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2017 12:50
Last Modified: 04 Apr 2023 12:41
URI: http://real.mtak.hu/id/eprint/51059

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item