Attachment styles, motivations, and problematic use of massively multiplayer online games

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between different adult attachment styles, motivations, and gaming problems associated with massively multiplayer online games. Firstly, we explored the association between attachment styles and problematic online gaming use. Secondly, we explored the different motivations that people with different attachment styles have to play massively multiplayer online games. Findings indicated that participants with anxious attachment style and avoidant attachment style showed more problematic online gaming issues than participants with secure attachment style. Also, all the participants played mainly to immerse themselves into a virtual world, and not for social motivation or achievement motivation.