Gender swapping in massively multiplayer online role-playing games in China: Relationship to gender nonconformity and gender dysphoria

Video games are identified as rich environments for the extension and development of the self. Gender swapping is common in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Drawing on self-discrepancy theory, this study aims to examine whether variables reflecting actual-ideal self-discrepancy in gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity contribute to gender swapping. Specifically, we examine associations between childhood gender nonconformity (CGN), adulthood gender nonconformity (AGN), gender dysphoria, and gender-swapping. An online survey was conducted with 586 players of MMORPGs in China. CGN, AGN, and gender dysphoria were positively associated with gender-swapping. Gender dysphoria fully mediated the associations between CGN and gender swapping. The current findings indicate the effects of gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity on gender swapping among Chinese MMORPGs players.