Escapism in gaming: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: Escapism is frequently linked to gaming disorder and psychological distress, but findings vary across measurement approaches and study contexts. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized psychological correlates of escapism in gaming, quantified their associations, reviewed measurement approaches, and tested differences by measurement tool and study focus. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for quantitative studies published between 2013 and 2026. A total of 119 publications (N = 119,730) met inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for variables reported in at least three independent studies. Results: The review identified 251 unique variables across seven categories, with Clinical Factors most frequently examined. The strongest pooled associations were observed for negative affect (r = .51), gaming disorder (r = .51), and internet gaming disorder (r = .50). Moderate positive associations were found for problematic gaming, gaming addiction, internet addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, social anxiety, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Self-esteem and life satisfaction were negatively associated with escapism, whereas positive affect, well-being, flow, autonomy, competence, and relatedness were nonsignificant. Eighteen measurement approaches were identified, and subgroup analyses showed no significant differences by measurement tool or study focus. Discussion and conclusions: Escapism was most consistently associated with gaming-related problems and psychological distress. Evidence concerning well-being-related correlates was comparatively limited. Future research should use multidimensional measures and longitudinal designs to clarify distinct forms and functions of escapism.