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Research Focus

Psycho-Social Correlates of
Problem Gaming

Problem Gaming

Video gaming is a popular recreational activity, with 60-80% of Canadians engaging in video games. Although video games can have benefits, and many people play video games recreationally, for some, it can become problematic. At the ADMH Lab, we are investigating the risk factors of problem gaming as well as protective factors that keep gaming at fun and healthy levels. Additionally, we investigate the ongoing convergence of gaming and gambling and the potential that gambling-like activities in video games (e.g., loot boxes) are a risk factor for the migration to gambling for real money.

Research Funding Support

Current Research Projects

The ADMH Lab is leading a global survey of video gaming that involves collaborators from 50 countries. We are aiming to recruit 100,000 gamers worldwide to identify risk and protective factors of problem gaming and whether these factors vary by culture.

In recent years, there has been an incorporation of gambling-like activities in video games (e.g., loot boxes, e-sports betting). We have an active line of research investigating whether these gambling-like activities in video games are a “gateway” to real-money gambling and mechanisms that explain the potential transition from gaming to gambling.

Select Publications

Comparing Video Gamers, Esports Spectators, and Esports Athletes on Gambling, Gaming, and Psychological Traits.
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Emotion dysregulation mediates the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problematic gaming.
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Current and Future Directions in Gaming Disorder Research, Assessment, Prevention, and Practice.
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ADMH Lab Comorbidity Researchers

  • Dr. Joel Billieux

University of Lausanne (Switzerland)

  • Dr. Beata Bothe

Université de Montréal

  • Dr. Zsolt Demetrovics​

Flinders University (Australia)

  • Dr. David Hodgins​

University of Calgary

  • Dr. Daniel King​

Flinders University (Australia)

  • Dr. Andre Monezi​

Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (Brazil)

  • Dr Philip Newall​

University of Bristol (England)

  • Dr. Daniel Spritzer​

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)

Addictions and Mental Health Lab

We study the causes and impacts of substance and behavioral addictions to improve treatment and support for those affected.

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