Module 3 - The Consequences of Unhealthy Play
Module 3 - The Consequences of Unhealthy Play
Last activity on May 29, 2026
The Addiction Equation
The Addiction Equation
x = Driving the desire to escape
y = Driving the desire to play
z = The resulting desire to play excessively
(x)(y)=z
The key concept in this equation is that the mere presence of an “x” in a gamer’s motivation to play is a big risk factor because it can multiply the effects of the y motivators.
Now it’s obviously not mathematical, and if you plug certain numbers into the mix it will fail hilariously, but just roll with it.
There may be more than one “x” factor (x1+x2+x3…)
- current stress
- past trauma
- family dysfunction
- comorbid disease(depression, anxiety)
- executive dysfunction
- unmet needs in everyday life
- unhelpful family environment
- increased risk factors
- Impulsivity (Risk Factor)
- Social Exclusion (Risk Factor)
- missing protective factors
- Self-Esteem (Protective Factor)
- Parent–Child Attachment Quality (Protective Factor)
- Family Connectedness and Family Warmth (Protective Factor)
- Social Potency (Protective Factor)
- Feeling in Control of One’s External Environment (Protective Factor)
- Self-Control (Protective Factor)
- Mastery (Protective Factor)
- Parental Boundaries on Video Game Use (Protective Factor)
Risk factors have been identified from: Internet Gaming Disorder: Evidence for a Risk and Resilience Approach – Wayne A. Warburton, Sophie Parkes and Naomi Sweller
There are usually many different “y” factors (y1+y2+y3…)
- CAR motivation
- accessing competition and building confidence through esports when not engaging in sports
- engaging game design
- compulsive game design
- age & maturity – executive functioning
- what your friends are doing
- playing daily – out of habit
- intensity of dopamine release
- ease of access
Low Z score – casual and healthy
Medium Z score – perhaps overindulgent and habitual
High Z Score – escaping and at-risk
This lesson is a preview