Journal of Behavioral Addictions最新文献

{"title":"Has light reinforcing effects in humans and may contribute to the development of problematic usage of the internet and digital-based behavioral addictions?","authors":"Elisa Wegmann, Sabine Steins-Loeber","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00417","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00417","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary complements the arguments by Tam et al. (2025) and offers a comprehensive approach when considering light conditioning in the context of the development and maintenance of problematic Internet use. Thereby, we illustrate the impact of light on humans also within the context of theoretical considerations and empirical studies. We agree with Tam et al. (2025) that there is a need for a better understanding of habit formation within addictive behaviors and we acknowledge the empirical challenges which are proposed in the article mentioned. At the same time, this commentary emphasizes that light should not be considered as an isolated reinforcer, but rather as a complementary component of other conditioned and cognitive tendencies (e.g., use expectancies), as well within the interplay of further processes in addiction research such as craving, attentional biases, and self-control abilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147941715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Glitches in diagnostic boundaries: Reframing gaming disorder through context, vulnerability, and meaning.","authors":"Adriano Schimmenti, Andrea Scalone, Silvia Casale","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00335","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary builds on King et al. (2025) to distinguish benign gaming from harm, framing gaming disorder as a rigid narrowing of experience marked by relational costs, inflexibility, and loss of alternatives. We introduce a concentric three-layer model-subjective symptoms, gaming's symbolic functions tied to vulnerabilities, and its sociocultural context-to guide assessment and treatment as dynamic meaning-making processes. Emphasizing stable functional impairment, loss of alternatives and markers of suffering over temporal cutoffs, this approach calls for interventions centering personal narrative, restoring agency, relatedness and belonging, and recognizing gaming's existential roles within individuals' life trajectories and social ecologies of play.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147941652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Approach-avoidance tendencies in problematic usage of the internet: Evidence from a multisite study.","authors":"Martin Diers, Silke M Müller, Annica Kessling, Anna M Schmid, Tobias A Thomas, Stephanie Antons, Maithilee Joshi, Kseniya Krikova, Miriam Kampa, Lukas Mallon, Lasse David Schmidt, Lena Klein, Nanne Dominick, Kjell Büsche, Niklas Meurer, Andreas Oelker, Annika Brandtner, Christian Montag, Klaus Wölfling, Oliver T Wolf, Hans-Jürgen Rumpf, Rudolf Stark, Astrid Müller, Elisa Wegmann, Tim Klucken, Matthias Brand, Sabine Steins-Loeber","doi":"10.1556/2006.2026.00057","DOIUrl":"10.1556/2006.2026.00057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Problematic usage of the internet (PUI) refers to maladaptive patterns of specific online activities such as gaming, social networking, online shopping, or pornography use. Building on theoretical frameworks such as the I-PACE model and the incentive-sensitization theory, the present multicenter study (N = 1,015) examined automatic approach and avoidance tendencies toward internet-related cues.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using an explicit Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT), reaction times to addiction-related and neutral stimuli were assessed and related to symptom severity, cue reactivity, and outcome expectancies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Across all user groups (non-problematic, risky, pathological), participants displayed relative approach tendencies toward internet-related stimuli, with pathological users showing the strongest differentiation between addiction-related and neutral cues. Associations between approach tendencies and both cue reactivity and gratification were best described as linear, with higher cue reactivity and greater experienced gratification being associated with stronger approach tendencies. For symptom severity, curve estimation analyses provided evidence for significant, albeit weak, quadratic associations, suggesting that at high symptom severity approach as well as avoidance tendencies may occur.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Overall, these findings indicate that approach tendencies toward internet-related cues increase gradually with reward experiences and cue-reactivity, while at higher levels of symptom severity approach or avoidance responses may be observed suggesting that motivational responses remain heterogeneous. From a clinical perspective, approach-avoidance tendencies may serve as behavioral markers relevant to the development and maintenance of PUI and may help inform individualized prevention and intervention strategies targeting cognitive-motivational processes underlying problematic internet use.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":"776-786"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13377626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147929795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological mechanisms in video game monetization: A typology of contemporary strategies beyond loot boxes.","authors":"Jan Ivern, Xavier Carbonell, Mark D Griffiths","doi":"10.1556/2006.2026.00038","DOIUrl":"10.1556/2006.2026.00038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Contemporary video game monetization systems are increasingly embedded within gameplay, structuring decision-making and spending. While research has focused on loot boxes, other strategies remain under examined despite relying on similar mechanisms. This study develops a structured typology of monetization systems as integrated design architectures operating through embedded psychological processes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured, theory-informed synthesis of literature on video game monetization, behavioral design, gambling research, and consumer behavior was conducted. Strategies were organized across mode of value extraction, gameplay integration, and underlying psychological mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four categories were identified: traditional sales, microtransactions, gamblification, and in-game advertising. Across these, recurring mechanisms, including reinforcement processes and cognitive biases (e.g., fear of missing out, loss aversion, near-miss effects), operate across structurally distinct systems and may be associated with outcomes ranging from engagement and consumer-related effects to problematic gaming, gambling-related harm, and behavioral addiction. Conclusions: Monetization strategies function as integrated design systems in which recurring mechanisms shape player behavior. The typology provides a framework for identifying vulnerability markers and informing transparency, consumer protection, and safety-by-design.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":"582-596"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13371737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147874064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A complementary perspective on the normality-disorder boundary in gaming disorder research.","authors":"Annika Brandtner, Matthias Brand","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00401","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The viewpoint by King et al. (2025) highlights the challenge of distinguishing normative from disordered gaming. Time spent gaming or motivations such as mood regulation should not be considered diagnostic criteria on their own, but they nonetheless provide clinically relevant information. Extremely long playing times may point to functional impairment, and mechanisms like mood regulation, coping, or social connection, though not pathological per se, can become clinically relevant when over-relied upon, leading to a narrowed behavioral repertoire. While not diagnostic criteria in themselves, these features can inform clinical assessment, guide individualized treatment, and help researchers identify trajectories into problematic gaming.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147856469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An extension of the context of peer aggression.","authors":"Sergio Paredes, Carlos Valls-Serrano","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00432","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary is written in response to the paper entitled \"Taxonomy of toxic behaviors in multiplayer gaming environments: An extension of the context of peer aggression\" by Zsila and Demetrovics (2025). It seeks to support and expand the discussion in two central aspects: first, the conceptual boundaries between toxicity, cyberbullying, and trolling; and second, the structure of the proposed taxonomy, acknowledging its strengths while suggesting clarifications. Conceptual overlaps with cyberbullying and trolling highlight the importance of context and situational features when distinguishing toxic behaviors. We argue that the taxonomy could benefit from refinements that explicitly consider the role of intentionality, repetition, and the interplay between in-game dynamics and mental health consequences. These adjustments may also allow inclusion of behaviors extending beyond direct in-game actions. The taxonomy presented by the authors represents a significant step forward in systematizing research on toxic behaviors in video games. Future work should integrate psychological and contextual factors that shape both the experience of toxicity and the strategies players adopt to cope with it.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling digital technology use with light self-administration: Conceptual challenges and alternative interpretations.","authors":"Domonkos File","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tam and colleagues (2025) propose that brief light pulses can serve as effective reinforcers in mice, positioning operant light self-administration as a potential cross-species model for digital technology-based disorders. This commentary examines the conceptual and translational validity of that proposal. While the paradigm offers an innovative framework for studying reinforcement by non-drug cues, treating light as a primary reinforcer in both rodents and humans raises significant interpretive challenges. Fundamental species differences in visual perception, nocturnal adaptation, and motivational context, along with the learned and symbolic nature of human screen interactions, make direct parallels difficult. Interpreting the paradigm within a general sensation-seeking or arousal-driven responding framework may therefore provide greater theoretical clarity. Defining these conceptual boundaries more precisely could further enhance the paradigm's value as a tool for investigating the motivational and learning processes underlying both adaptive and maladaptive engagement with sensory stimuli.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resolving normality-disorder boundary issues in gaming research.","authors":"Philip Nielsen, Henk Rigter","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00463","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00463","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This commentary responds to the views of King and colleagues (King, Billieux, Behm, & Delfabbro, 2025) on boundaries between normal and disordered gaming. Drawing on clinical experience with adolescents and families in treatment for problematic gaming, we argue for multidimensional assessment that embeds diagnosis within relational and contextual understanding. Overreliance on time spent gaming or self-report tools obscures functional impairment and family dynamics. Evidence from systemic therapy (STANDUP) indicates that improved family communication reduces gaming-related conflict without necessarily reducing gaming time. We propose viewing diagnosis as a collaborative working hypothesis, fostering dialogue rather than division between clinicians, families, and researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repetitive nasal spray use and the five-component model of addiction.","authors":"Steve Sussman","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Repetitive nasal spray use may be an addiction. However, it is unclear what positively reinforcing appetitive effects it elicits. Repetitive use does lead to spray-related preoccupation, loss of control, and undesired consequences. With most nasal sprays, there may be no direct effect on the central nervous system, though it does involve imbibing a substance (as does food). It shows features of substance and behavioral addictions. Studies are needed with relatively new but regular users, who begin to report some difficulties controlling use, to discern the extent to which nasal spray use subjectively improves mood, desired level of arousal, or cognition.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From coming to terms with the gambling problems to post-traumatic growth: A novel nine-stage theoretical model of recovery from gambling disorder.","authors":"Agathe Mansueto, Gaëlle Challet-Bouju, Jean-Benoit Hardouin, Marie Grall-Bronnec","doi":"10.1556/2006.2025.00258","DOIUrl":"10.1556/2006.2025.00258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>The concept of recovery is gaining increasing relevance in gambling disorder (GD). Rooted in the users' movement, recovery is viewed as a process involving non-medical and subjective dimensions. However, qualitative research on this topic remains limited, and no consensus exists on its definition. This study aimed to develop a theoretical model of recovery, examining stages, dimensions, and conditions shaping recovery trajectories from a holistic, patient-centred perspective.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 self-defined recovered gamblers and 10 self-defined currently recovering gamblers. Data were analysed using an inductive and comparative approach based on constructivist grounded theory (CGT).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A novel nine-stage theoretical model of recovery was developed: (1) Coming to terms with gambling problems; (2) Framing GD as a medical condition; (3) Acknowledging accountability; (4) Deciding to change and making an initial commitment to recovery; (5) Constructing one's recovery goal; (6) Maintaining long-term commitment; (7) Reclaiming autonomy and agency; (8) Rebuilding through recovery; and (9) Post-traumatic growth. The model identifies key dimensions that shape progression and conditions (facilitators and barriers) associated with each stage. Both groups mentioned all stages, though experiences differed depending on recovery status. Shared and group-specific facilitators and barriers were observed across stages.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Findings show that recovery is a multidimensional process, extending beyond behavioural change to include meaning-making processes and identity renegotiation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results emphasise the need for a holistic, patient-centred approach. Qualitative research offers insights to inform tailored, recovery-oriented interventions and contribute to a unified, multi-stakeholder definition of recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":15049,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Behavioral Addictions","volume":" ","pages":"863-885"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13371744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}