What really is problem video gaming? A need to reexamine the conceptualization of a fuzzy construct.

Abstract

An estimated 2.7 billion adults globally play video games, and this population continues to grow (Accenture, 2021). Although representing a harmless pastime for most, formal diagnoses indicating excessive or harmful video gaming are estimated among 1.96 to 3.05% of adolescents and adults globally (Stevens et al., 2021). Consequently, there is a need for reliable and valid measurement of problem video gaming (herein referred to as "problem gaming"). In their paper, Anthony et al. ( 2023) provide a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of measures of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), developed based on diagnostic criteria outlined in Section 3 of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The authors identified 22 measures of problem gaming which, despite all operationalizing the same DSM-5 criteria, displayed marked heterogeneity in the criteria included, elements of criteria emphasized, and wording of items. Hyoun S. Kim https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0804-0256 The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Sophie G. Coelho served as lead for writing-original draft and served in a supporting role for conceptualization. Jenna L. Vieira served in a supporting role for conceptualization and writing-original draft. Matthew T. Keough contributed equally to conceptualization and served in a supporting role for writing-review and editing. Hyoun S. Kim contributed equally to conceptualization and served in a supporting role for writingreview and editing.