Stimulanser och affekter hos datorspelsberoende

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to examine correlations between affects and stimulus concerning gaming addiction. The purpose of this is to increase the understanding of gaming addiction for better treatment from social workers. In recent years gaming addiction has become a more common affliction. New ways to consider this affliction is required for better treatment from therapists and social workers. This paper aims to provide new ways to look at gaming addiction. For this purpose, an online survey was formed. It included questions regarding experiences with gameplay. The questions are based on silvan Tomkins affect theory as well as the MDA-framework concerning game stimulus. The survey also included the IGD-20 test meant to measure gaming addiction. The survey was sent to a multitude of game related clubs and organization, with a total of 394 responses received. From the data presented the main affects seems to be positive concerning games. Those who according to the IGD-20 test are within the risk of gaming addiction scored the highest on the game’s stimulus pastime, escapism, and fantasy. This result indicates that the main reason for being within the risk of gaming addiction is a desire to handle, escape or disregard negative emotions. Those within the risk of gaming addiction were found to have higher reactions to both affects and stimuli concerning gaming. A strong correlation for wanting to express oneself through games as well as experience stories was also found within the risk group for gaming addiction.