Being There: A Preliminary Study Examining the Role of Presence in Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been introduced as an emerging mental health condition requiring further study. Associations between IGD and gaming presence (i.e., absorption in the virtual environment) have been implied. The aim of the present study was twofold: (a) to evaluate the extent to which presence contributes to IGD severity and (b) to examine longitudinal differences in IGD according to the initial level of presence experienced. The participants comprising 125 emerging adults aged 18 to 29 years completed either (i) three face-to-face assessments (1 month apart, over 3 months) or (ii) a cross-sectional, online assessment. IGD was assessed with the 9-item IGD Scale Short Form and presence was assessed using the Presence Questionnaire. Regression and latent growth modeling analyses were conducted. Findings demonstrated that the level of gaming presence related to IGD severity but not to linear change in severity over a 3-month period. The study shows that emergent adults who play Internet games may be at a high risk of IGD given a more salient sense of being present within the gaming environment. Clinical implications considering prevention and intervention initiatives are discussed.