Abstract
We interviewed eight individuals with game-addiction experiences to understand addiction and recovery processes.
Extracting common game-addiction experiences, we analyzed their chronological sequences. Our framework
identified two primary dimensions: “relationship with games” and “problems in daily life.” Subsequently, addiction
processes were categorized as “game-driven,” “maladaptation-driven,” or “low-enthusiasm” type. We found two
causality patterns between game addiction and associated factors: one where issues such as loneliness or depression
preceded addiction and the other where they resulted from it. The maladaptation-driven and low-enthusiasm
types were more linked with the former, while the game-driven type was associated with the latter. Lastly, by
comprehensively discussing these findings in conjunction with prior research, we explored methods for prevention
and intervention.
