Video games constitute a source of engagement and identity formation; however, in a subset of players, interest may develop into a compulsive pattern of play. The dualistic model of passion distinguishes two forms: harmonious, freely integrated into an individual’s identity, and obsessive, driven by internal pressure and associated with disruption of life balance. The type of passion may be associated with varying levels of self-compassion, which in turn may constitute a potential risk factor for problematic gaming. The present study aimed to examine whether and how passion type and self-compassion relate to problematic gaming, and whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between passion type and problematic gaming. A cross-sectional design was employed (data collection ongoing; preliminary N = 106). Measures included the Passion Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Preliminary findings indicated that obsessive passion was a significant positive predictor of problematic gaming severity (β = 0.78, p < .001), whereas harmonious passion emerged as a significant negative predictor (β = −0.16, p = .006). Higher self-compassion was associated with lower severity of problematic gaming (β = −0.13, p = .032). Indirect effects did not reach statistical significance (p = .074 and p = .116), which does not confirm the mediating role of self-compassion. The obtained results should be regarded as preliminary; the mediation model requires re-examination following collection of a larger sample, as the current sample size may be insufficient for stable estimation of indirect effects.
When Passion Becomes Compulsion: Passion Type, Self-Compassion, and Problematic Gaming in Adults