AUTHOR=Mazaherizadeh Ali , Taherifar Zahra , Farahani Hojjatollah , Hussain Zaheer 

TITLE=Screened realities: a Grounded Theory exploration of gaming disorder dynamics among Iranian male adolescents

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1357211

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1357211

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=This qualitative study delves into the dynamics of Gaming Disorder (GD) and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among Iranian male adolescents, utilizing Grounded Theory Methodology. The study includes a sample of 13 participants, who were assessed using the Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. The research findings reveal that Iranian adolescents are drawn to gaming due to its potential for financial gain despite facing cultural and territorial obstacles. The study also uncovers a unique pattern of identity formation influenced by gaming, where adolescents shape their career aspirations and social identities around their online experiences. The research provides vital insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of GD in Iran, highlighting the significant impact of gaming on adolescents' life choices and identity development. The study is crucial since there is a shortage of qualitative research in this area, and it provides a psychological understanding of GD within the unique socio-cultural context of Iran.