Open AccessOnline Gaming Issues in Offline Couple Relationships: A Primer for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
Author(s) -
Katherine M. Hertlein,
Blendine P. Hawkins
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1804
Subject(s) - interpretation (philosophy) , psychology , set (abstract data type) , interpersonal communication , interpersonal relationship , psychotherapist , social psychology , applied psychology , computer science , programming language
Although the challenges around participation in online gaming grow, gamers and their partners who experience online relationship issues related to gaming, present a new set of treatment challenges for therapists. In this article, we report on the findings of a hermeneutic research study aimed at evaluating the scholarly literature related to online gaming and interpret these texts to determine the effect such online activity has on the couple relationship. We reviewed 18 articles published between 1998 and 2010 related to online gaming and interpersonal relationships, focusing solely on empirical articles related to the search criteria. Our interpretation of the text concluded that online gaming might add to and/or interfere with a couple’s life. Based on these potential problem areas, practical considerations for treatment are also outlined.