The role of trait emotional intelligence in gamers’ preferences for play and frequency of gaming

This paper examines the role of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) in gamers’ preferences for play and frequency of gaming in a sample of 1051 young adult US/European gamers, who play frequently the online massively multiplayer game, World of Warcraft (WoW). Trait EI was shown to predict social and achievement preferences for play as well as frequency of gaming. In particular, trait EI was positively correlated to a preference for social practices per se and negatively correlated to a preference for achievement-oriented, instrumental practices. These findings advocate that gamers’ preferences for play are in accordance with their emotion-related personality characteristics. Trait EI was also negatively associated with frequency of gaming suggesting that lower scorers on trait EI are more likely associated with more frequent game use.

► Trait EI, preferences for play and frequency of gaming were examined.
► Trait EI was positively correlated to a preference for social practices per se.
► Trait EI was negatively correlated to a preference for achievement practices.
► Lower scorers on trait EI were associated with more frequent game use.
► Trait EI more likely works motivationally reinforcing specific game uses.