What does this research mean for the field?

Online gaming functions as a meaningful, multidimensional psychosocial practice in emerging adulthood that supports emotional regulation, cognitive engagement, personal growth, and social connection, rather than merely being a pathological risk. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONTRADICTORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to understand how emerging adults in India experience gaming beyond pathological perspectives.

July 6, 2026BMC PsychologyOpen Access

Reconceptualizing online gaming in emerging adulthood: a phenomenological study

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

ASAnuradha SathiyaseelanChrist University SBSathiyaseelan BalasundaramChrist University BPBishal PatangiaConcordia University Irvine

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Phenomenological study explores gaming experiences in emerging adults, suggesting meaningful emotional and social impacts.

Key Points

This study aims to understand how emerging adults in India experience gaming beyond pathological perspectives.
Qualitative phenomenological study with 12 emerging adult gamers aged 18–25 years in India.
Data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews via secure video conferencing.
Thematic analysis used to analyze interview data, ensuring trustworthiness through independent coding and member checking.
Three themes identified: emotional intensity and coping strategies associated with gaming.
Gaming perceived as a meaningful activity supporting identity development and social interaction.
Participants emphasized the need for balance and self-monitoring in gaming practices.

Cite This Study

Sathiyaseelan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a4b45da997070ff83b5b79e https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-05058-4

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Reconceptualizing online gaming in emerging adulthood: a phenomenological study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Reconceptualizing online gaming in emerging adulthood: a phenomenological study

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider