Abstract
Internet gaming is a ubiquitous pastime. Many individuals enjoy the experience without detriment to their normal daily life. However, for some, internet gaming becomes addictive and problematic. Further, there is little known about the relationship between problematic gaming and early adaptive schemas (EAS). Research suggests that EAS may help protect against psychopathology. The present study aimed to explore the relationships between video game player experience, symptoms of problematic gaming, and EAS. The present study comprised 448 adult internet gamers who completed an online survey with questionnaires assessing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms, EAS using the Young Positive Schema Questionnaire (YPSQ), and player experience using the Player Experience Inventory (PXI). The study hypothesised significant relationships between (1) video game player experience and EAS, and (2) EAS and number of IGD symptoms. The results supported these hypotheses. Firstly, the 10 PXI constructs collectively demonstrated a significant relationship with the YPSQ subscales and, when testing the impact of each PXI construct on the YPSQ subscales, Immersion, Progress Feedback, and Goals and Rules were all significantly associated with EAS. Secondly, in the overall model, the YPSQ subscales significantly predicted the total number of IGD symptoms. When examining the impact of each individual YPSQ subscale, Empathic Consideration, Healthy Self-Control/Self-Discipline, and Realistic Expectations significantly predicted fewer IGD symptoms. The findings suggest that elements of player experience have the potential to enhance EAS, and that some EAS may serve as protective factors for the development of IGD.