Attachment Patterns Mediate the Relationship Between Primary Emotions and Gaming Disorder Tendencies

Abstract Objectives This study investigates the relationship between the primary emotions CARE, LUST, SEEKING, PLAY, SADNESS, ANGER, FEAR and gaming disorder (GD), exploring the potential mediating role of attachment (avoidant/anxious), given its influence in prior research. Methods Data were collected from 490 participants (378 female) via an online survey. Path analysis was used to examine the associations between CARE, LUST and ANGER with GD tendencies and the mediating effect of avoidant attachment. Results GD tendencies were found to be negatively correlated with CARE and LUST. In addition, there was a positive correlation with avoidant attachment and ANGER by tendency. Avoidant attachment fully mediated the effects of ANGER and LUST on GD tendencies and partially mediated the effects of CARE on GD tendencies. Discussion Our results point to CARE, LUST, ANGER and avoidant attachment as potential risk factors for GD. In general, the importance of considering emotions and attachment in therapeutic interventions and in future research on GD is emphasized.