Gamer Widow: A Phenomenological Study of Spouses of Online Video Game Addicts |
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| Authors: | Jason C Northrup Sterling Shumway |
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| Institution: | 1. St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, USAjnorthrup1@stmarytx.edu;3. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA |
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| Abstract: | Few studies have examined the impact of online video game addiction on addicts’ family members. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game addicts via qualitative, phenomenological methodology. Data were gathered via online, open-ended questions and suggested three categories that described participants’ experiences of being married to an online video game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship. Among these categories, seven themes and 12 subthemes emerged. The study concludes by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as implications for therapy. |
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