Work

Gratification vs. compensation: longitudinal evidence for the shifting motivations behind adolescent gaming disorder

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Drawing on the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this longitudinal study examined the prospective associations between gaming motives and Gaming Disorder (GD) among adolescents. Specifically, we investigated whether gratification-oriented motives (Fantasy, Identity) predict subsequent GD symptoms and whether compensation-oriented motives (Coping, Escape, Introjected Regulation) emerge as consequences of GD. Methods: Data were collected from 120 secondary-school gamers at two time points separated by a three-month interval. Cross-lagged panel models were estimated separately for each gaming motive-GD pair to examine the directionality of associations over time. Results: The findings supported the gratification hypothesis, as higher baseline Fantasy and Identity motives predicted increased GD symptoms at follow-up. A bidirectional association emerged between Fantasy and GD, whereas higher initial GD symptoms predicted a subsequent decline in Identity motives. The compensation hypothesis received partial support: GD prospectively predicted increases in Coping and Introjected Regulation, while no significant cross-lagged associations were observed for Escape. Discussion: These findings suggest that gratification-oriented motives may contribute to the early development of GD, whereas increasing GD symptoms may reinforce specific compensation-oriented motives. The results highlight distinct, motive-specific dynamics in adolescent gaming and underscore the importance of distinguishing between gratification and compensation processes. From a practical perspective, assessing Fantasy and Identity motives as potential risk indicators and addressing emerging Coping and Introjected Regulation motives may inform more targeted school-based prevention and intervention strategies.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1938938

Authors: Sylwia Starzec, Aleksandra Zajas, Natalia Michałkiewicz, Patrycja Kiszka, Lidia Kowalska, Paweł Strojny

Institution: Jagiellonian University

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801