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The Relationship Between Online Game Addiction and Aggression, Self-Control and Narcissistic Personality Traits

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 December 2007

Eun Joo Kim ,
Kee Namkoong ,
Taeyun Ku  and
Se Joo Kim
Eun Joo Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul120-752, South Korea
Kee Namkoong
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul120-752, South Korea
Taeyun Ku
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 373-1 Guseong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon305-701, South Korea
Se Joo Kim*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 250 Seongsanro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul120-752, South Korea
*
∗Corresponding author. Tel.: +82 2 2228 1620; fax: +82 2 313 0891.
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Abstract

Objectives.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between online game addiction and aggression, self-control, and narcissistic personality traits, which are known as the psychological characteristics linked to “at-risk” populations for online game addiction.

Method.

A total of 1471 online game users (males 82.7%, females 17.3%, mean age 21.30 ± 4.96) participated in this study and were asked to complete several self-report measures using an online response method. Questionnaires included demographic information and game use-related characteristics of the samples, the online game addiction scale (modified from Young's Internet addiction scale), the Buss–Perry aggression questionnaire, a self-control scale, and the narcissistic personality disorder scale.

Results.

Our results indicated that aggression and narcissistic personality traits are positively correlated with online game addiction, whereas self-control is negatively correlated with online game addiction (p < 0.001). In addition, a multiple regression analysis revealed that the extent of online game addiction could be predicted based on the person's narcissistic personality traits, aggression, self-control, interpersonal relationship, and occupation. However, only 20% of the variance in behavioral consequences was explained with the model.

Conclusion.

An interesting profile has emerged from the results of this study, suggesting that certain psychological characteristics such as aggression, self-control, and narcissistic personality traits may predispose some individuals to become addicted to online games. This result will deepen our understanding of the “at-risk” population for online game addiction and provide basic information that can contribute to developing a prevention program for people who are addicted to online games.

Keywords

Online game addictionAggressionSelf-controlNarcissistic personality traits
Type
Original article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , April 2008 , pp. 212 - 218
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2008

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Footnotes

1

Tel.: +82 2 2228 1620; fax: +82 2 313 0891.

2

Tel.: +82 42 869 4232; fax: +82 42 869 4240.

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