“Who Am I” and “How Should I Be”: a Systematic Review on Self-Concept and Avatar Identification in Gaming Disorder

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Gaming disorder (GD) appears to be associated with self-concept deficits and increased identification with one’s avatar. The goal of this literature review is to highlight study findings assessing psychological and neurobiological correlates of self-concept-related characteristics and avatar identification in GD. Recent Findings: The review was based on three literature researches on GD: (1) self-esteem, (2) emotional, social, and academic self-concept domains and avatar identification, and (3) neurobiological correlates of self-concept and avatar identification. The results indicate that GD is associated with decreased self-esteem as well as deficits in physical, social, and emotional self-concept domains. A relatively stable relationship between higher avatar identification and GD was reported in addicted gamers. Furthermore, addicted gamers showed increased activation of brain regions associated with Theory-of-Mind processing while contemplating their own avatar. Summary: The results point towards impairments in self-concept and increased identification with the virtual gaming character in addicted gamers. This virtual compensation fosters the formation of an idealized self-concept, which grows increasingly distant from their own self-image. Thus, additional empirically based psychological interventions should focus on the development of a realistic self-image by reducing the dysfunctional discrepancy between the ideal self and the real self.