The Role of Dispositional Mindfulness and Flow in Predicting Problematic Video Game Use

While problematic gaming (i.e., experiencing negative life consequences from video game use) has been positively associated with flow, its relationship to dispositional mindfulness remains unclear. However, research in a related area suggests dispositional mindfulness is negatively associated with problematic gambling. Thus, the present study sought to examine whether dispositional mindfulness would predict problematic gaming when controlling for dispositional aspects of flow (sense of control and absorption) while playing a favourite game, weekly hours spent gaming, and gender. Frequent adult gamers (N=1015; 29.7% female; Mage=23.29 years, SD=4.58) completed an online survey. Results from hierarchical multiple regression revealed lower dispositional mindfulness significantly predicted greater problematic gaming when controlling for flow, gender, and hours spent gaming. These results demonstrate the importance of mindfulness and flow on reports of problematic gaming. Implications are discussed in light of research suggesting mindfulness may be useful in the prevention of problematic behaviours.