Examining leisure constraints and motivations within the psychological continuum model: a study among recreational video gamers

ABSTRACT

This study investigates perceived leisure constraints and motivations among Iranian gamers, employing the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM). Targeting recreational gamers under 30 years old, dedicating 1 to 6 hours per week to gaming, we utilised (D. Funk et al. 2008) PCM stages questionnaire, Crawford’s et al. (1991) perceived hierarchical leisure constraints questionnaire, and Cianfrone et al. (2011) motivations questionnaire. Our analysis, featuring One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for constraints and motivations across PCM stages and Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) for psychological communication, revealed compelling insights. Results indicate a noteworthy increase in perceived constraints with PCM progression (p < 0.05), highlighting significant differences in dimensions such as interest, time involvement, facilities, cost, and interpersonal aspects (p < 0.05). Concurrently, motivations progressively rise with PCM advancement, showcasing significant variations in competition, diversion, fantasy, and social interaction dimensions (p < 0.01). This study’s significant findings illuminate the evolving landscape of constraints and motivations across distinct PCM stages, offering valuable implications for comprehending gaming behaviours within this demographic.

KEYWORDS:

• Video games
• leisure constraints
• motivations
• PCM
• gamer

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all participants in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to the obligations of authors to Tarbiat Modares University for data protection but are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Department of Sports Science, Tarbiat Modares University. All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. They were also assured about the confidentiality of their information, and if desired, the research results would be available to them. The Helsinki Declaration (Ethical principles in medical research on humans) was also observed.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Milad Khodadadian

Milad Khodadadian serves as a researcher specializing in Sport Management, with a particular focus on leisure and eSports. Through his published research, he delves into the multifaceted world of gaming, exploring its intersection with social issues. In recent studies, Mr. Khodadadian has examined various aspects of gaming culture and its societal implications. Currently, his research interests center on gender dynamics within electronic sports, aiming to uncover insights that contribute to a more inclusive gaming environment.

Rasool Norouzi Seyed Hossini

Rasool Norouzi Seyed Hossini, an Associate Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, specializes in Sports Management. With a keen focus on leisure, social issues, and sports, his published research illuminates the intersections of these domains. In recent years, he has expanded his expertise to delve into electronic sports studies and its consumption, offering valuable insights into this rapidly evolving field in Iran. Furthermore, his research interests encompass various cultural and sociological aspects of electronic sports consumption.

Marjan Saffari

Marjan Saffari is an assistant professor of Sport management in the Department of sport science at Tarbiat Modares University. She was previously an assistant professor of sports management at Kharazmi University. Her research interests include leisure studies, sport tourism, and gender studies. She teaches classes in leisure and recreational Sports, Sports tourism, and Sport Marketing.