Virtual escapes and real-world struggles: a qualitative inquiry into Internet Gaming Disorder, stress and psychoemotional states

Abstract

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) poses significant concerns for mental health. While quantitative research has advanced our understanding, the lived experiences of those affected remain underexplored. This qualitative study addresses this gap by interviewing individuals with IGD symptoms, focusing on the interplay between gaming behaviour, stress, cognition, and emotions. Research spanning over three decades links excessive and problematic gaming (EPG) with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This led to the introduction of IGD as the dominant concept of what is considered gaming addiction. However, various scholars have proposed theories suggesting that IGD is rather a maladaptive stress response than addiction, yet there is a lack of qualitative insights into this area. This study interviewed individuals exhibiting IGD symptoms to uncover personal experiences and identify common themes. 11 (10 Male) participants exhibiting symptoms of IGD were recruited from online gaming communities, with the use of purposive, criterion, and snowball sampling. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted online with questions related to personal life, psychoemotional states and gaming behaviour and analyzed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Six key themes have been identified: 1) The double-edged sword of stress and gaming as a coping mechanism, 2) Escaping reality: Real vs. Virtual world and emotional difficulties, 3) Online gaming as social compensation, 4) Achievement Hunter: the obsession with progress, 5) From hobby to ‘addiction’, and 6) Inner battles: trauma, mental schemas, and gaming. The findings enhance understanding of behaviours and psychoemotional states related to IGD and its implications. The study partially supports existing models linking IGD to maladaptive coping and underlying mental health problems. However, it also highlights their limitations and the need for further research with more comprehensive frameworks. Finally, in the context of practical implications, it is suggested to adopt multifaceted approaches to support individuals with IGD.