The Psychological and Behavioural Impacts of Addictive Video Game Design On Delayed Gratification
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Authors
Mousavi Ghanavati, Seyed Parsa
Issue Date
2025-09-17
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
video game addiction , delayed gratification , impacts of video games , digital addiction , internet gaming disorder
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project investigates the impacts of addictive video design on delayed gratification, drawing from psychological and behavioural components. By researching video game design mechanisms such as variable rewards, loot boxes, and the requirement of memory and attention, the findings indicate impacts on long-term goal setting among adolescents and young adults. The findings position internet gaming disorder (IGD) as an addictive outcome, where neurologic and behavioural outcomes are parallel to what is observed among individuals who struggle with substance abuse and gambling. By synthesizing the available literature in this project, vital cognitive and behavioural changes are highlighted as a result of gaming addiction that have rewired individual preference for immediate reinforcement rather than delayed ones. To mitigate this outcome, interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducational changes are discussed as practical methods to support recovery. Promoting digital literacy and policy changes among outlets, such as schools, are recommended to raise awareness and foster behavioural change. The limitations of this capstone include the underrepresentation of the female sample and the lack of longitudinal neuroimaging studies. At its core, this capstone provides a body of evidence that highlights gaming addiction as a complication that impacts individuals’ psychological well-being.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess