Withdrawing to a Virtual World: Associations between Subtypes of Withdrawal, Problematic Media, and Risk Behaviors in Emerging Adults

Authors

Emily Howard, Brigham Young University
Dr. Larry Nelson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Sarah Coyne, Brigham Young University

Keywords

virtual world, problematic media, risk behaviors, emerging adults

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that ‘gamers’ tend to be socially withdrawn, keeping to themselves and their PlayStations. However, research connecting withdrawal and media use is conflicting and inconclusive, likely because the varying motivations leading to withdrawal are not fully considered1. An approach-avoidance model of social withdrawal uses 2 measures to address the differing motivations leading to the same withdrawn behaviors. The first, approach, measures a person’s desire to engage in social situations, whereas the second, avoidance, measures inhibition. Combined, they define 3 variations of withdrawal: shyness (high approach, high avoidance), unsociability (low approach, low avoidance), and avoidance (low approach, high avoidance).2 Each appears to be uniquely associated with varying indicators of maladjustment.3 Problematic media use (here defined as use of violent video games, online gambling, and pornography) generally correlates with negative behavioral and emotional effects.4 The purpose of this study was to examine whether particular types of withdrawal predict problematic media use, and whether there is a connection between these variables and problematic behavior

Recommended Citation

Howard, Emily; Nelson, Dr. Larry; and Coyne, Dr. Sarah (2013) "Withdrawing to a Virtual World: Associations between Subtypes of Withdrawal, Problematic Media, and Risk Behaviors in Emerging Adults," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 226.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/226