Personality traits associated with problematic and non-problematic massively multiplayer online role playing game use

This research investigated the associations between personality traits and both normal and problematic massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPGs) play, as measured by a self report scale. A total of 225 participants completed the online questionnaire, 66 of whom played MMORPGs. Correlational analyses indicated that low levels of functional impulsivity and agreeableness alongside high levels of verbal aggression and video game dependency were associated with greater amount of time spent playing MMORPGs. When comparing problematic and non-problematic MMORPG players directly, problematic players were found to be lower in self regulation, dysfunctional impulsivity and agreeableness, suggesting that these traits may be important in the development and maintenance of problematic MMORPG use.

► Problematic massively multiplayer online role playing game users’ personality. ► MMORPG play correlated with low functional impulsivity and high verbal aggression. ► Problematic, non-problematic players and non-players were compared. ► Problematic players were lower in self regulation. ► Problematic players were also lower in dysfunctional impulsivity and agreeableness.