Article

Does the social platform established by MMORPGs build social and psychological capital?

December 2021
Computers in Human Behavior 129(73):107139

DOI:10.1016/j.chb.2021.107139

Authors:

Online social capital is a key topic, and numerous studies have examined various outcome variables of online social capital in game research. However, few studies have explored the relationship between online social capital and psychological capital in game research. Psychological capital is a valuable asset for individuals coping with psychological challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study primarily explores the effect of online social capital (bonding and bridging) on the four dimensions of psychological capital (hope, optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience). Moreover, this study explores the effect of learning and online and offline social interactions on online social capital. An online questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 548 massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) players. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the proposed model, and it reveals that all hypotheses are supported. The results indicate that learning and online and offline social interactions help players to establish online social capital, which in turn improves their psychological capital.

Social Networking or Social Isolation? A Systematic Review on Socio-Relational Outcomes for Members of Online Gaming Communities

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Sep 2023

Recent technological advancements, increased access to gaming setups, and the emergence of free-to-play multiplayer games have contributed to a dramatic rise in the number of players gaming online and subsequently becoming a part of gaming communities. This systematic review explored the impact of being in an online gaming community on socio-relational outcomes, and variables that impacted the relation between gaming community membership and socio-relational outcomes. After screening PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, 24 articles (15,451 players) were included. Results showed a predominantly positive influence of community membership on socio-relational outcomes of friendship, social skills, and social capital. Community-related variables (community size, social interaction, aim of community formation) and game characteristics that interacted with the gaming community (collective play, cooperation, learning to achieve game objectives) impacted the relationship between community membership and social capital. For some players, however, online social capital increased at the expense of offline social capital.

Examining the User Engagement on Mind-Sport Online Games: A Social Cognitive Theory and Word-of-Mouth Based Model Proposal

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Full-text available

Apr 2025

Online gamers have increased exponentially in the last few years in all types of online games, including mind-sport games. These games, like Bridge or Chess, have been traditionally played face-to-face. Nowadays more and more players prefer to use online platforms to play mind-sport games. Previous studies have investigated different aspects of online games and even a few on mind-sport games. However, the frameworks WOM (Word-of-Mouth) and SCT (Social Cognitive Theory) have been sparsely used in this context. In this manner, the present article proposes two objectives: (1) using the SCT in order to analyse the impact of the sociological factor on user engagement in mind-sport online games and (2) analysing how the WOM affects user engagement in mind-sport online games. Specifically, the proposed PLS-SEM model is defined by combining five constructs from these frameworks: (1) health consciousness, (2) WOM and emotional behaviour, (3) self-efficacy, (4) cognitive engagement, and (5) behavioural intention. The findings reveal that health consciousness affects WOM and emotional behaviour in a positive way as players desire well-being. Also, WOM and emotional behaviour affect cognitive engagement, as positive comments encourage high-skill gamers in mind sports. Finally, this study shows how the environmental factor of SCT is represented by WOM and emotional behaviour in an indirect way and the personal factor represented by self-efficacy in a direct way to positively influence behaviour intention.

Les jeux demain : des jeux de vilains ?

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Margot Chaput

L’état actuel de la recherche sur les effets des jeux vidéo a de quoi donner le vertige. D’un côté, un courant historiquement prévalent dénonce leurs effets supposés sur les comportements et affects agressifs des consommateurs ; de l’autre, une littérature émergente vante haut et fort leurs mérites pour les fonctions cognitives, à coup de programmes d’entraînement cérébral et de jeux éducatifs. Comment s’y retrouver à travers ces conclusions en apparence paradoxales ? Ce mémoire se propose d’éclairer la question, à travers l’étude des contributions de la psychologie cognitive dans une approche lifespan, de la psychologie sociale et de la psychopathologie. La confrontation des deux pans de la recherche sur les jeux vidéo met en évidence l’existence de bénéfices aussi bien pour le fonctionnement cognitif que pour la socialisation, avec des risques présents mais maîtrisables. Une éducation des usagers apparaît aujourd’hui nécessaire et devrait être intégrée dans les politiques contemporaines.

What Drives Consumption in Online Games? Homo Socio Interneticus Approach

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The current development of online gaming technology can facilitate social interaction, forming a virtual society. This social interaction is continued with economic interaction, namely the consumption of online games. This research uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand consumption behavior in online games. The research takes place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and interviews three key opinion leaders in online game communities. This is qualitative research using grounded theory. The results show that microtransactions in online games are driven by the influence of structural and cultural dimensions in a virtual society, in this case, online games. In the context of virtual society, structural dimensions of pressure are found in the form of exploitation by developers and communities. However, online players resist and reconfirm these structural and cultural pressures, such as stopping consumption. So, there is duality in the social structure of virtual society. This adds new perspectives to existing research more concerned with monetization strategy.

Tomorrow will Be better: Gamers’ expectation and game usage

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Effects of Online Fan Community Interactions on Well-Being and Sense of Virtual Community

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Activities in the digital economy driven by information technology have rapidly increased in scope and speed in the aftermath of COVID-19. Meanwhile, social isolation accelerated by quarantine measures has increased concerns about individuals’ mental health. However, little is known about the specific consequences of online interactions, especially when applied in online fan community-based relationships. Therefore, we examined the impact of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 on online interaction with other fans and parasocial relationships with celebrities on the Weverse platform. We also examined how these interactions influence mental well-being and the sense of virtual community. With 202 valid data samples acquired from global BTS fandom, this study conducted a partial least squares–structural equation modeling analysis. The empirical results demonstrate a significant positive relationship between loneliness and the extent of online interaction, while no significant impact on parasocial relationships was observed. Both online interaction and parasocial relationships were found to enhance both well-being and SOVC. However, these results were observed to differ between Weverse paid subscribers and free users.

Challenge and Hindrance Stressors and Mental Health Influencing Psychological Well Being: Moderation of Psychological Capital

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Anas Saleh Al-Dalaeen

This study aims to explore the associations between psychological capital, mental health, stressors related to challenges and obstacles, and psychological well-being among Jordanian university teachers and employees. Using convenience and snowball sampling technique 390 people made up the research sample, and SMARTPLS was used to collect data using a cross-sectional quantitative approach. The goal of the study was to investigate how these characteristics affected the psychological health of university academics and staff as well as how psychological capital in􀅫 luenced this relationship. The study's conclusions show that psychological capital, mental health, and stressors related to dif􀅫 iculties and challenges have a substantial impact on the psychological well-being of academics and staff at Jordanian universities. The􀅫 indings emphasise the signi􀅫 icance of addressing mental health issues and workplace pressures in order to increase the wellbeing of those who work in this academic environment. The study also shows that the association between challengeand hindrance stressors and psychological well-being is mediated by mental health, indicating that treating mental health problems is essential for improving overall well-being, particularly in the context of stressors related to the workplace. In the unique context of Jordanian universities, these􀅫 findings help to clarify the interactions between psychological capital, mental health, challenge-and-hindrance stresses, and psychological well-being. The study brings several key theoretical insights which are incremental to literature in the􀅫 ield. The􀅫 findings have implications for improving …

Challenge and Hindrance Stressors and Mental Health Influencing Psychological Well Being: Moderation of Psychological Capital

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Jan 2023

Cooperate to play: How in-game cooperation knowledge impacts online gamer loyalty

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Organizational Secrecy and Digital Innovation: Moderating Role of Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Hiding

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Altaf Akbar

This quantitative study explores the moderating influence of organizational secrecy and digital innovation on knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding within IT departments of French SMEs, employing the Social Exchange Theory as a theoretical framework. A sample comprising 300 employees from IT departments in French SMEs was gathered for a longitudinal research design, with data collection facilitated through snowball sampling. Smart PLS was employed to analyze survey data at two distinct time intervals. In Time 1, demographic information and organizational secrecy were assessed, while Time 2 focused on measuring knowledge hiding, knowledge sharing, and digital innovation one month later. The results reveal organizational secrecy's significant impact on knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding. The Social Exchange Theory plays a moderating role in the relationship between organizational secrecy and knowledge hiding, as well as in the relationship between digital innovation and knowledge sharing. This study sheds light on how organizational culture and innovation can influence knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding among employees in IT departments of French SMEs, offering practical insights for managers aiming to cultivate a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Future research can delve into identifying the most effective digital tools and platforms for facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration within IT departments of French SMEs.

Examining Green HR Practices and Innovative Work Behaviors: A Moderated Mediation Model in Hungarian Automotive Enterprises

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Akhlaq Ahmad

This study investigates the prevalence of the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theory, creative work practices, a moderated mediation model of green innovation, organizational support, and green human resource practices in Hungarian automotive enterprises. Data collection involved a questionnaire and a sample of 320 managers from diverse automotive companies surveyed using a quantitative research approach. The results indicate the prominence of these variables within the Hungarian automotive industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrating green innovation, organizational support, and Green HR practices to cultivate a culture of sustainability and innovation. Nevertheless, the study acknowledges limitations, such as its cross-sectional design, use of self-report measures, and limited generalizability. To address these constraints, future research could employ longitudinal designs, larger sample sizes, and a mixed-methods approach to scrutinize relationships further and explore additional variables.

Interacting in virtual reality: When the Proteus effect stimulates 3D MMORPG players to buy

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TECHNOL FORECAST SOC

Virtual reality is transforming people's behaviour in new online multiplayer games. However, the question of how this technology influences players virtual object purchasing behaviour remains open. To answer this question, this research mobilises the theory of embodiment, the theory of community commitment and the sense of social belonging to explain the behaviour of the embodied gamer. Using a sample of 567 players of massively multiplayer online role-playing games in virtual reality, our study establishes conclusive evidence that player embodiment influences player purchase behaviour. Furthermore, our results reveal the presence of a mediating effect between embodiment and the purchase of virtual objects. In other words, players buy virtual objects because embodiment reinforces their commitment and their sense of belonging to their community. Clearly, this research is the first to propose this model in the field of online multiplayer games. Professionals should exploit these groundbreaking results and democratise virtual reality in games. In addition, it is important that the virtual interfaces deployed in games are more engaging, personalised and community-based.

Overcoming Isolation: Teenagers' Connectedness to Others During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by loneliness, especially among teenagers. This study explored the coping mechanisms, activities, challenges, places visited, and sources of support that predicted teenagers feeling connected to others during COVID-19. Data come from surveys administered in the United States and Canada in summer 2022. Multivariate logistic regression showed that producing personal protective equipment, supporting siblings, getting involved in the local community, becoming more politically active, and taking language classes were positively associated with connectedness. In addition, teens in Canada were more likely to feel connected to others than teens in the United States. These findings can inform policies to enhance resilience in teenagers during protracted crises.

Psychological Capital and Work Engagement: Moderating Role of Social Relationships

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2023

Background Employees are the real capital of any organisation, and to keep the employees productive and functional, employers need to focus on the psychological capital and social relationship of the employees to keep them engaged in their work. This study examined the emerging field of constructs of psychological and social capital to examine Indian employee’s behaviour. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine a comprehensive model of the relationship between employees’ psychological capital and work engagement. Furthermore, it examines the moderating effect of social relationships between them. Methods This is a primary survey conducted mainly on the manufacturing industry. A sample of 375 mid- and senior-level executives of different age groups was considered in the study from India’s public and private manufacturing sectors administering a questionnaire survey. A random sampling technique was used for data collection. This study applied SPSS and Amos software to validate the measurement model. Results The results indicate a significant correlation among PsyCap, work engagement, and social relationships. PsyCap and social relationships are positively connected to work engagement. Thus, these results provide preliminary support for our hypotheses. The finding suggests that psychological capital and social relationships positively influence work engagement, and social relationships moderate the association between positive psychological capital and work engagement. It helps employees get better engaged at work. Conclusion Organisations must develop psychological capital to provide resources to employees and share a supportive relationship. Developing and maintaining a supportive relationship for employees and employers is important. In the future, both qualitative research methods and longitudinal data from other sectors can be used to understand the interplay between social and psychological capital for enhancing work engagement. Developing and cultivating positive social relations can help employees utilise their psychological strength to better engage in work.

External articulation and internal stabilization: Using identification stages to enhance online gamer loyalty

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Tomorrow Will Be Better: Gamers’ Expectation and Game Usage

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Application and Related Research on the Psychological Capital Theory in Higher Education Research

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Psychological capital refers to a state of positive energy displayed in the heart of an individual in the process of self-growth and comprehensive and healthy development. Many scholars at home and abroad have found through research that psychological capital, as a positive psychological state, plays a significant positive role in evaluating and regulating college students in many aspects, such as academic performance, interpersonal relationships, stress relief, mental health, etc. Based on this, the article aims to draw on the current relatively mature research results of psychological capital theory, and deeply and systematically analyzes and discusses these research results, so as to provide valuable conclusions for the in-depth study of psychological capital theory in the field of college education. To meet that aim, a range of general methods including, descriptive, observational , literature review analysis are utilized. Given the results, in higher education, the application of psychological capital theory is still in the initial exploration period, and it needs to be explored comprehensively and deeply to make it continuously perfect.

Does platform type matter? A semantic analysis of user attitude formation on online platforms

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An online platform is a setting where users may express their attitude in text or visual content. The doctrine thinking in consumer psychology is that greater perceived product value (e.g., more product features or lower price) gives more positive consumer attitude. Because of different types of platforms, however, online users might form their product/brand attitudes in different ways. We gathered 7,264 lines of online reviews about two famous brands on two types of social media platforms: online text-based forums and live-streaming platforms. The data were collected through a web crawler, and semantic analysis was employed to process the data before hypothesis testing. The findings of this study indicate that users’ perception of product features, price levels and brand culture significantly influence user attitude. The more product characteristics communicated on online platforms, the more difficult to formulate a positive user attitude, and users tend to have more positive attitude with higher perceived price. Compared with traditional text-based platforms, contents in live-streaming platforms (e.g., Tik Tok) with less product features, wider culture distance and lower perceived price are favored among users.

From skill growth expectancy to online Game Commitment

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Players' game commitment is relevant and important to game makers. Hence, we need to know how to strengthen players’ game commitment. The literature pointed out that two theories (flow theory and goal gradient theory) may be effective perspectives. However, we do not know how to trigger both theoretical pathways, indicating a gap. Hence, the aim of this study is to address this gap by proposing a new construct: expectancy for skill growth. We used a survey method to collect data from 1320 gamers. The structural equation modeling method was used to test the hypotheses. We found that the new construct enhances in-game flow, gaming goal proximity, and motivation to attain gaming goals, strengthening game commitment. The key interpretation is that the new construct can trigger both theoretical pathways, strengthening game commitment.

Investigation of "Metaverse" Platforms in the Context of Marketing Mix Decision Making Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods

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"Metaverse" platformlarının pazarlama karması bağlamında çok kriterli karar verme yöntemleriyle incelenmesi

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Jul 2022

İçinde bulunduğumuz yüzyılın trendleri arasında ön plana çıkan dijital pazarlama faaliyetleri, firmaların rekabet düzeyini artırmaktadır. Yaşanan teknolojik gelişmelere paralel olarak firmaların dijital pazarlama faaliyetlerine katılım düzeyleri ise, rakiplerine göre avantaj sağlamaları ve yüksek getiri oranlarına sahip olmaları açısından oldukça önemli görülmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; seçilen Metaverse platformlarının, pazarlama karması bileşenlerine (ürün, fiyat, yer ve tutundurma) uygun olarak belirlenen kriterler aracılığıyla dijital pazarlama yeteneklerinin incelenmesidir. Analizler, Entropi ve CoCoSo yöntemleri kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, “Binance” ve “Intotheblock” platformlarındaki Metaverse’lere ait kriterler (toplam arz, sosyal medya, birim fiyat, piyasa değeri, ortalama işlem adedi, ortama adres sayısı, ortalama sahiplik süresi, küçük yatırımcı yüzdesi) Entropi yöntemiyle ağırlıklandırılmıştır. CoCoSo yöntemiyle elde edilen sonuçlara göre, Metaverse platformlarının başarı sıralaması “MANA, SAND, AXS, GHST, ALICE, SLP ve ILV” şeklinde gerçekleşmiştir. Ayrıca, pazarlama karması bağlamında çok kriterli karar verme yöntemlerinin, Metaverse platformlarına ait dijital pazarlama performans değerlendirilmesinde kullanılabileceği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bunların yanı sıra çalışmada, pazarlama başarısının ölçülmesinde literatürde yoğun olarak kullanılan anketlere ek olarak çok kriterli karar verme yöntemleriyle de başarılı sonuçlar elde edilebileceği ortaya konulmuştur. Digital marketing activities, which stand out among the current century's trends, boost the competitiveness of companies. Parallel to technological advancements, the level of participation of businesses in digital marketing activities is regarded as critical in terms of providing advantages over competitors and having high return rates. The purpose of this study is to look into the digital marketing capabilities of selected Metaverse platforms using criteria based on marketing mix components (product, price, place and promotion). The analyses were performed using Entropy and CoCoSo methods. The Entropy method was used to weight Metaverse criteria (total supply, social media, unit price, market value, average number of transactions, average number of addresses, average ownership period, percentage of small investors) on the "Binance" and "Intotheblock" platforms. According to the CoCoSo method results, the Metaverse platforms' success rankings are “MANA, SAND, GHST, AXS, SLP, ALICE and ILV”. Furthermore, it has been concluded that multi-criteria decisionmaking methods in the context of marketing mix can be used to evaluate Metaverse platform digital marketing performance. In addition to these, the study revealed that successful results can be obtained with multi-criteria decision-making methods in addition to the questionnaires used extensively in literature in measuring marketing success.

Exploring the effects of social capital on the compulsive use of online social networks in civil unrest contexts

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The use of online social networking sites has become part of everyday life for more than three billion people worldwide. However, its use may go beyond being a habit, leading to compulsive use behaviours that jeopardize the well-being of an individual and the whole society. This study proposes and evaluates a theoretical model that examines the four dimensions of social capital, mediated by bonding and bridging social capital, as drivers of compulsive use of online social networks in the context of civil unrest. We evaluate the model using partial least squares structural equation modelling with data collected from a developing country. We found that reciprocity is the most important driver for bonding and bridging social capital with online members. Whereas trust, contradicting most of the literature in the field, was not statistically significant over bonding and bridging social capital. Bonding social capital shows a significant association with compulsive use behaviour. On the other hand, the effect of bridging social capital on compulsive use behaviour, although not significant, may become significant in the presence of a strong usage habit.

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O. Kozoriz

На основі аналізу наукових публікацій, переважно XXI ст., розглянуто історіографію дослідження впливу масових багатоосібних (або багатокористувацьких) онлайнових рольових ігор (MMORPG) на сучасні культурні процеси у світлі ігрової концепції культури. Проаналізовано наукову думку українських й іноземних науковців. Виокремлено комп’ютерні ігри в жанрі MMORPG як феномен сучасної української культури та їхній вплив на соціальне й культурне життя людей, а також особливості українського ігрового сегмента.

Well-being in gaming communities: the relationship between online gaming participation, social capital, and life satisfaction

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CURR PSYCHOL

Online gaming has the potential to enhance life satisfaction. The formation of social capital and sense of belonging to virtual gaming communities shapes players’ experiences. Yet, existing research has largely overlooked the comprehensive investigation of these interconnected mechanisms. This study uses social capital theory and social presence theory to examine how participation in online gaming, bonding social capital, and sense of community influence life satisfaction in a Chinese sample (N = 542). It presents a validated moderated mediation model, highlighting the significant positive impact of gaming participation on life satisfaction. The research reveals the partial mediating role of bonding social capital and the positive moderation of sense of community in this relationship. Offering both theoretical and empirical insights, the study provides evidence for the bridging role of social attributes in online games, contributing to players’ subjective well-being. It moves beyond simple linear binary analysis to explore the psychological mechanisms through which online gaming affects life satisfaction.

Many a little makes a mickle: avatar accumulability and loyalty

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Feb 2025

Purpose Online games are highly popular Internet applications. Some games enable players to save game progress and accumulate experiences or changes to avatars during gameplay, whereas some other games do not, requiring players to restart from the beginning each time. That is, games differ in avatar accumulability. However, we do not know whether games should be designed to permit avatar accumulability or not and how it affects players’ gameplay experience and therefore game outcomes, indicating gaps. Research addressing these gaps can inform game makers in designing games that effectively strengthen their players’ game loyalty. Design/methodology/approach We used social identity theory (SIT) to construct a theoretical model. To test this model, three waves of survey data were gathered from the same 778 participants. Findings These findings uniquely indicate that avatar accumulability fosters avatar identification and increases players’ focused immersion, thus increasing players’ loyalty. Practical implications Game providers could include game features that enable players to accumulate their avatars’ in-game skins, levels, items (weapons and equipment) and experience points. This accumulability can help strengthen players’ game loyalty. Originality/value Overall, our study extends SIT by adding a new trigger (avatar accumulability) and two novel consequences of avatar identification (image protection and focused immersion) in avatar-related systems (games or gamified systems). The new trigger offers an actionable means to apply SIT, while the novel consequences verify the value of applying SIT to study online games.

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The use of digital tools that are adaptable to different learner needs is one of the most innovative aspects of contemporary pedagogy. This essay starts from the advantages and positive aspects related to the use of digital in education, then goes on to a specific discussion on Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). This type of products, which spread globally as a true mass phenomenon, have over the years gathered around it various pedagogical and psychological reflections, suggesting i nteresting implementations in the area of teaching and learning. The authors thus highlight the potential educational implications of these tools, while also reflecting on the limitations and risks of its application.

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Playing a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is no longer just a personal hobby, and the genre has evolved into a forum that encourages continual interaction among its users. To determine the motivation behind the user’s participation of MMORPG, we suggest social comparison and self-expansion theories. Specifically, this study proposes a research model that comprehensively identifies the effects of psychological motives (social comparison motive and belongingness) and immersive gaming behaviors (social presence and flow experience) on behavioral factors (continuous play intention and loyalty). We analyzed 274 valid survey questionnaire responses. Our findings contribute to a growing body of literature that identifies the motives of users to play MMORPGs by applying social comparison and self-expansion theories to understand the factors that influence people to play MMORPGs. Furthermore, the study’s results have practical implications for game developers, suggesting that they should develop content strategically to attract users.

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Teknoloji Kabul Modeli Çerçevesinde Metaverse ve Tüketiciler

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Pazarlamada tüketicilerle etkileşim sorunu işletmelerin her zaman en başta çözmesi gereken konulardan biridir. Bu noktada tarihe baktığımızda kullanılan iletişim kanallarının değişim hızının teknoloji değişim hızına paralel bir şekilde ilerlediğini görmek mümkündür. Geçmişte internet, gelişen sosyal medya ağı gibi dönüm noktalarının bir benzeri bugün Metaverse teknolojisi ile yaşanmaktadır. Kimilerine göre internetin üç boyutlu hali kimilerine göre sanal ile gerçeğin birleştiği melez bir dünya olarak görülen bu teknoloji tüketicilere kişiselleşmiş, sürükleyici alışveriş deneyimleri yaşatmaktadır.Literatürde Metaverse teknolojisi ile ilgili olarak yapılan az sayıda araştırmalarda tüketicilerin Metaverse teknolojisi ile ilgili yaklaşımını ortaya çıkarmak için Yeniliklerin Yayılması, Planlanmış Davranış Teorisi, Teknoloji Kabul Modelinin farklı versiyonları ve Teknoloji Kabul ve Kullanım Birleştirilmiş Modeli gibi bazı teorilerin kullanıldığı görülmektedir. Teknoloji Kabul Modelinin yaygın bir şekilde kullanılmasının en önemli sebeplerinden biri ise basit, kolay ve anlaşılır olmasıdır.Bu çalışmada Teknoloji Kabul Modeli teorik çerçevesinde Metaverse ve tüketicilerin değişen davranışları ele alınarak tüketicilerin satın alma niyetleri üzerindeki yansımaları yorumlanmak istenmiştir. Bu sayede pazarlamacılar ve içerik üreticiler için bir çerçeve oluşturmak ve Metaverse teknolojisinin yaygınlaşmasıyla birlikte gelecekte bu konuda yapılacak ampirik çalışmalara zemin oluşturmak istenmiştir.

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This study examined the relationships between psychological capital (PsyCap), coping strategies, and well-being among 609 university students using self-report measures. Results revealed that well-being was significantly lower during COVID-19 compared to before the onset of the pandemic. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that PsyCap predicted well-being, and structural equation modeling demonstrated the mediating role of coping strategies between PsyCap and well-being. Prior to COVID-19, the PsyCap dimensions of optimism and self-efficacy were significant predictors of well-being. During the pandemic, optimism, hope, and resiliency have been significant predictors of well-being. Adaptive coping strategies were also conducive to well-being. Implications and recommendations for psychoeducation and counseling interventions to promote PsyCap and adaptive coping strategies in university students are presented.

Contextual facilitators for learning activities involving technology in higher education: The C♭-model

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We propose a model of contextual facilitators for learning activities involving technology (in short: C♭-model) for both on-site and distance learning environments in higher education. The C♭-model aims at systematizing research on digital teaching and learning and offers a roadmap for future research to understand the complex dynamic of factors that lead to successful digital teaching and learning in higher education via suitable learning activities. First, we introduce students’ learning outcomes as central benchmarks of teaching and learning with digital technologies in higher education. Second, we want to focus on a major proximal factor for students’ learning outcomes and thus apply a learning activities perspective. Learning activities involving digital technologies reflect cognitive processes of students when using digital technologies and are causally connected with students’ learning outcomes. Third, we highlight several contextual facilitators for learning activities involving technology in the C♭-model: learning opportunities that result from higher education teachers’ instructional use of technology and students’ self-arranged learning opportunities involving digital technologies. Apart from these proximal facilitators, we include more distal factors, namely, higher education teachers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward digital technology; higher education teachers’ qualification; students’ and teachers’ digital technology equipment; and institutional, organizational, and administrative factors.

Problematic Social Media Usage and Anxiety Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and the Moderating Role of Academic Burnout

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Feb 2021

Yan Jiang

The outbreak of COVID-19 has greatly affected university students’ studies and life. This study aimed to examine the possible mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of academic burnout in the relationship between problematic social media usage and anxiety among university students during COVID-19. A total of 3,123 undergraduates from universities in Shanghai participated in an online survey from March to April 2020. The results showed that problematic social media usage among university students predicted their levels of anxiety. Mediation analysis indicated that psychological capital mediated the relationship between problematic social media usage and anxiety. Furthermore, for university students whose academic performance had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of both problematic social media usage and the psychological capital on anxiety were moderated by academic burnout. For university students whose academic performance was not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, academic burnout moderated the effects of psychological capital but not the effects of problematic social media usage on anxiety. The results highlighted the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between problematic social media usage and anxiety. These findings provide practical insights into the development and implementation of psychological interventions when facing a pandemic.

COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions and Online Media Consumption in Germany

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020
Int J Environ Res Publ Health

The lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased stress levels and feelings of anxiety in the general population. Problematic usage of certain online applications is one frequent way to compensate for negative feelings and stress. The current study investigated changes of online media consumption during the lockdown in Germany. Gender and age specific differences in specific online activities were assessed. n = 3245 subjects participated in an online survey conducted between the 8th April and the 11th May 2020. Participants’ age ranged between 18 and >55 years. A considerably high percentage (71.4%) of participants reported increased online media consumption during the lockdown. Male participants were more likely to increase their consumption of gaming and erotic platforms, while female participants reported a higher increase in the engagement in social networks, information research, and video streaming than males. The findings revealed an increased usage of all online applications during the lockdown. For the clarification whether the increase might present a risk for elevated Internet-use disorders or can be regarded as a functional and time-limited phenomenon, further studies, assessing changes in these online activities after the end of the pandemic, are needed.

Influence of the Youth’s Psychological Capital on Social Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: The Mediating Role of Coping Style

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020

Dongmei LI

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak has led to travel bans and restricted social contact. Sudden decrease of social activities can easily trigger social anxiety, especially for community youths. Existing studies have inconclusive results regarding whether the development of youths' social anxiety can be predicted by psychological capital. This study aims to clarify the influence mechanisms of psychological capital and coping style on social anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Methods: Overall 600 community youths with ages of 18-22 yr in Northeast China were randomly selected and voluntarily answered the online questionnaire survey in Mar 2020. General information questionnaire form, positive psychological capital questionnaire, social interaction anxiety scale, and simple coping style questionnaire were used to obtain the participants' information. Results: Psychological capital has a medium negative correlation with social anxiety, low positive correlation with positive coping (r = -0.42, 0.38), and low negative correlation with negative coping (r = -0.19). Social anxiety is negatively correlated with positive coping to a small degree and positively correlated with negative coping at a medium level (r = -0.16, 0.43). Positive coping has a low positive correlation with negative coping (r = 0.13). Positive coping and negative coping play partial mediating roles between psychological capital and social anxiety, with mediating effect values of -0.03 and 0.01, respectively. Conclusion: Youth's psychological capital is closely associated with coping style and social anxiety. In addition to its direct bearing on social anxiety, psychological capital influences social anxiety through the mediating effect of coping style.

Psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour in selected public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Orientation: The relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is important to establish especially in the South African public hospitals where the quality of healthcare services have been reported to have deteriorated. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour among nurses in the public hospitals. Motivation for the study: There is crisis in the public nursing sector as nurses are reported to be working under pressure as a result of increased workload and responsibilities beyond their scope of practice (in terms of doing the work that they are not trained for and more work than they can handle), in addition to rapidly changing work environments. Research approach, design and method: The present study follows a quantitative cross-sectional design using a questionnaire on a sample of 228 nurses from public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Main findings: The findings of the study confirm that psychological capital has a significant positive relationship with organisational citizenship behaviour. Practical/managerial implications: The study recommends management to recognise the area of OCB in the public hospitals and work in nurturing and retaining those nurses capable of displaying such behaviours. Contribution/value add: The study validates aspect of reciprocity of the Social exchange theory. Nurses with high levels of hope, self-efficacy, resilience and optimism showed reciprocity through the display of OCBs. The study also validates the aspect of job resources in eroding job demands from the Job demands resources model.

Teaching in times of COVID-19. Challenges and opportunities for digital teaching

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Editorial: The year 2020. Nobody was really prepared for the radical changes and challenges that year. The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly forced hospitals and clinics, but also schools and universities, to find new ways to maintain both supply and teaching and learning. This process had to be quick and often led to the much-cited term "Emergency Remote Teaching" [1]. But we also realised that digital education and training could and had to show what potential it had. Before the COVID-19 pandemic there were already very positive developments in digital learning and teaching. There was already a lot of evidence in basic research that could highlight the advantages of the targeted use of digital teaching [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. New technologies and teaching methods as well as well-founded explanatory models, such as the ICAP model or e-activities, have been iteratively developed further and represented a selective enrichment of the teaching offer at a number of institutions [7], [8], [9]. In particular blended learning concepts such as the Inverted Classroom Model, but also the use of virtual patients and simulations were increasingly used [10], [11], [12], [13]. However, there were also relevant hurdles that slowed down digital teaching. A lack of experience on the part of teachers, legal framework conditions at various levels of health and education policy [14], [15], a lack of transparency in the creditability of digital teaching and other aspects ensured that digital teaching could only develop step by step [16], [17]. The above-mentioned study results were only slowly being adopted in teaching practice. Many projects in digital teaching were carried out, but rarely evaluated. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic and in a very short time teaching had to be converted almost completely to pure online teaching. In a one-off action, digital concepts were launched at universities and schools everywhere. Due to the short-term nature of the project, many different forms of digital teaching and examinations have been created. In contrast to earlier developments, this was less driven by institutional strategies and more by the de facto necessity and lack of alternatives. The actual design of teaching was strongly dependent on the existing resources , digital skills, time frame and the available technical infrastructure, which were heterogeneous at the various educational institutions. The idea of making innovative projects from different locations visible was born at the beginning of the "Corona Semester". It would have been a wasted potential not to make the digitisation push visible and to make the many different ideas visible at the educational institutions. However, here too, one challenge was how to make the individual projects evident as quickly as possible, independent of the very lagging review processes in the scientific world. We then decided to publish a focus issue with short contributions to project reports.

How Passion for Playing World of Warcraft Predicts In-Game Social Capital, Loneliness, and Wellbeing

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2020

Playing digital games can nurture wellbeing by helping players recover from daily stressors, cope with life's challenges, practice emotion regulation, and engage in meaningful social interaction; however, this same leisure activity can also result in problematic gaming (i.e., harmful play at the expense of healthy behaviors), and social isolation that damages wellbeing. Research consistently demonstrates that the value or harm of gaming on wellbeing cannot be determined solely from whether and how much people play, but rather depends on contingent factors related to the player, the game, and the gaming context. In this paper, we aim to model contingent factors that differentiate between beneficial and harmful outcomes within players of the same massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). We model how passion for gaming—defined as a strong desire to engage in a beloved activity that is enjoyed and valued, in which time and energy is invested, and that ultimately integrates into a person's identity—affects loneliness and wellbeing. We employ the dualistic model that divides passion into harmonious passion (HP)—characterized by a balanced and authentic relationship with the beloved activity, and obsessive passion (OP)—characterized by preoccupation and inflexible persistence toward the loved activity. We sampled 300 frequent World of Warcraft (WoW) players, recruited from online forums, and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the effects of their passion for playing WoW on in-game social capital, loneliness, and wellbeing. We demonstrate that HP for playing WoW facilitates in-game social capital (both bridging and bonding), combats loneliness, and increases wellbeing, whereas OP also builds social capital, but these social ties do not combat loneliness, and OP is directly associated with increased loneliness. Further, the positive effect of HP on wellbeing is mediated through an increase in bonding social capital and a resulting decrease in loneliness. Our findings highlight that passion orientation is important for characterizing the relationship between gaming and wellbeing. We contribute to the conversation on combating problematic gaming, while also promoting digital gaming as an appealing leisure activity that provides enjoyment, recovery, and meaningful social interaction for the millions of gamers who benefit from its captivation.

How to Improve Customer Engagement: A Comparison of Playing Games on Personal Computers and on Mobile Phones

Article

Full-text available

May 2020

The popularity of multiplayer online battle arena games is closely linked to customer engagement. The purpose is to investigate the influences that individual motivators and environmental antecedents have upon customer engagement and continuous playing games intention, and compare the impacts between playing Multiplayer online battle arena games on personal computers and on mobile phones. A Triadic reciprocal determinism framework was developed to explain the relationship among individual motivator (flow experience), environmental antecedents (technical features and social interaction), individual behavior (continuous playing games intention), and customer engagement within multiplayer online battle arena gaming settings. Altogether 531 questionnaires from multiplayer online battle arena players were collected. Structural equation modeling with Smart-partial least squares was used to evaluate the research model. The findings suggest that the influence of flow experience on customer engagement in personal computers gaming is more significant than that in mobile gaming, while the effects of perceived ease of use and offline social interaction on customer engagement in mobile gaming are comparatively higher. This study indicates the importance of flow experience, perceived control, perceived ease of use, and social interaction in the Multiplayer online battle arena gaming development and the prosperity for better customers engaged, and to enhance customer experience.

The links between psychological capital, social capital, and work-related performance – A study of service sales representatives

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2019

This paper explores the linkages between psychological capital (PsyCap), social capital (SosCap), and work-related performance. Specifically, our aim is twofold. First, the study examines whether and how PsyCap relates to three types of work-related performance: innovative behaviour (IB), job engagement (JE), and sales performance (SP). Second, it examines the relationship between PsyCap and the structural dimension of SosCap, which is represented in this study by the concept of authentic leadership (AL), the relational dimension of SosCap, represented by the supportive organisational climate (SOC) variable, and work-related performance, reflected in the variables IB, JE, and SP. A conceptual model was developed and tested using a survey of frontline service sales representatives of car dealerships. The findings reveal that PsyCap is directly linked to IB, JE, and SP. AL, the structural dimension of SosCap, and SOC, the relational dimension of SosCap, were both directly linked to PsyCap. The findings also reveal that the relationships between AL, SOC, IB, JE, and SP are all mediated by PsyCap. AL is directly related to SOC. The relationship between AL and PsyCap is mediated by SOC. This study indicates that PsyCap and SosCap are symbiotic resources. Specifically, it contributes fresh knowledge regarding how organisations can capitalise on the resources of PsyCap and SosCap to improve work-related performance.

Accounting for Common Method Variance in Cross-Sectional Research Designs

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2001

Cross-sectional studies of attitude-behavior relationships are vulnerable to the inflation of correlations by common method variance (CMV). Here, a model is presented that allows partial correlation analysis to adjust the observed correlations for CMV contamination and determine if conclusions about the statistical and practical significance of a predictor have been influenced by the presence of CMV. This method also suggests procedures for designing questionnaires to increase the precision of this adjustment.

How Do Different Self-Presentation Strategies Affect Bridging and Bonding Social Capital on SSNs? An Empirical Study of the WeChat Users in China

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Managing gamer relationships to enhance online gamer loyalty: The perspectives of social capital theory and self-perception theory

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2018
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Ching-I Teng

Online games are a popular communication media, yet how the relationship between online gamers and the game impacts gamer loyalty is still a fertile area for exploration. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine how relationship characteristics—length (duration), depth (increased usage), and breadth (cross-buying)—impact online gamer loyalty, and the role of relational switching costs and gaming habits (i.e., natural and automatic gaming behavior) in such impacts. The social capital theory and the self-perception theory were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism. This study collected responses from 5159 online gamers and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling methods. The analytical results indicate that relationship characteristics are positively related to relational switching cost and gaming habit, which are further related to online gamer loyalty. This study is one of the first examining how gamer-game relationships can contribute to gamer-gamer relationships (in terms of relational switching cost) and subsequently gamer loyalty. The findings provide the insight that developing relationships between gamers should fuel their continued play via two interwoven routes.

Examining the Relationship Between Social Capital And Self-Efficacy: A Study Amongst Postgraduate Students

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2017

Inspired by the scarcity of studies on social capital and its effect on self-efficacy among postgraduate students, a study was conducted to fill this gap. An empirical based framework connecting social capital and self-efficacy was developed and tested using data obtained using survey research method. A total of 121 respondents participated in the study, and the results indicate that social capital, dimensionalized into six constructs, namely a sense of belonging, shared a language, trust, networks, norm of reciprocity and shared vision, is found to have a significant relationship with self-efficacy. Further analysis showed that shared language, trust and shared vision are the significant predictors of self-efficacy. The findings further signify the contribution of social capital in increasing the level of self-efficacy in the context of students in Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

Relationship of Social Capital with Hope for the Future in Patients with Cancer in Seyyed -O- Shohada Hospital in Isfahan

Article

Oct 2019

Social media and sustainable purchasing attitude: Role of trust in social media and environmental effectiveness

Article

Sep 2021
J Retailing Consum Serv

The role of social media in promoting sustainable attitudes is currently understudied. Underpinned by social learning theory, this study unveils the effect of social media usage and browsing on sustainable purchasing attitude, the underlying mechanism, and the boundary condition. Drawing on a sample of 693 experienced respondents analyzed using structural equation modeling, this study reveals that social media usage and browsing have a significant positive association. Both constructs significantly impact sustainable purchasing attitudes with complementary partial mediation of the drive for environmental responsibility. Further, trust in social media and perceived environmental effectiveness significantly moderate the relationships belongs to the browsing and drive for environmental responsibility. Contrary to the theorization, moderating constructs cannot substantially impact the proposed associations of social media usage. In this manner, the present research is innovative and provides valued knowledge to comprehend social media's role in encouraging sustainable attitudes.

The perception of discount sales promotions – A utilitarian and hedonic perspective

Article

Nov 2021
J Retailing Consum Serv

Jee Teck Weng

This paper explores the effects of utilitarian and hedonic benefits perceptions of discount sales promotions on consumer purchase decisions (attitude and behavioral intention). A closed-ended survey, as well as a partial least squares structural equation modeling of consumers sampling who had used discount sales promotions in their recent purchases, was utilized in this study. The findings suggest that utilitarian benefits perceptions derived from price-quality perception and hedonic benefits perceptions derived from smart shopper self-perception of using discount sales promotions positively affect consumer purchase decisions. Both utilitarian and hedonic benefits perceptions of discount sales promotions can henceforth be used to produce the desired effects on purchase decisions. Hence, this paper sheds light on the effects of utilitarian and hedonic benefits perception of discount sales promotions on purchase decisions. Though the findings are limited to discount sales promotions alone and two types of purchase decisions outcomes (attitude and behavioral intentions), this paper identified multiple avenues to extend its findings. This encourages further exploration of such promotion topics, particularly on the various perceptions of discount sales promotions as well as other sales promotion techniques among marketing academics and practitioners.

Examining the impact of psychological capital on workplace outcomes of ethnic minority foodservice employees

Article

Apr 2021
Int J Hospit Manag

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of psychological capital on workplace outcomes of ethnic minority employees in the foodservice industry. Guided by the social exchange theory and the equity theory, this study developed and tested a survey instrument and collected 407 valid responses through an online survey. Results of the structural equation model analysis confirmed the positive impact of psychological capital on work engagement and workplace happiness, and their further impacts on job satisfaction and commitment. The results of multi-group comparisons showed differences between salaried and hourly employees. For individuals holding salaried positions, it was work engagement, rather than psychological capital, that affected their workplace happiness. For hourly employees, although psychological capital influenced their work engagement and workplace happiness, their work engagement and work happiness remain unrelated. Based on the findings, this study offered practical implications on how to enhance psychological capital for ethnic minority employees.

The Impact of the Challenge and Hindrance Stress on Hotel Employees Interpersonal Citizenship Behaviors: Psychological Capital as a Moderator

Article

Feb 2021
Int J Hospit Manag

This study investigates the relationships between challenge and hindrance stressors and hotel employees’ interpersonal citizenship behaviors (ICB). The study also tests the moderating role of hotel employees’ psychological capital (PsyCap) on the aforementioned relationships. Data were collected from 213 U.S. hotel frontline employees. The results showed that both challenge and hindrance stress had a negative relationship with ICB. PsyCap was found to moderate both relationships. Implications for hospitality researchers and industry practitioners are discussed along with the limitations and suggested avenues for future research.

Enjoy the pain that you cannot avoid: Investigation on the relationship between developmental job experience and employees’ innovative behavior

Article

Mar 2021
J BUS RES

This study investigates the positive and negative effects of developmental job experience (DJE) on employees’ innovative behavior. Relying on transactional stress theory, we hypothesize the mediating roles of psychological capital and burnout in the relationship between DJE and innovative behavior as assessed by team leaders. The results reveal that DJE is only indirectly related to innovative behavior via psychological capital and burnout when employees’ perceived job mobility within an organization (PJM) is low (moderated mediation). We also find that employees’ PJM significantly and differentially moderates the relationships between DJE and psychological capital and between DJE and burnout. Our study provides both theoretical and practical guidance on how to utilize developmental jobs to promote employees’ innovative behavior.

The COVID 19 pandemic and digital higher education: Exploring the impact of proactive personality on social capital through internet self-efficacy and online interaction quality

Article

Dec 2020
CHILD YOUTH SERV REV

In the crisis of COVID-19, traditional learning suddenly changed to digital learning, which finally posed challenges to students and teachers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the influence of personality factors on student social networks seems to be an overlooked area of research. In this study, we aim to explore the relationship between proactive personality and social capital through underlying mechanisms (such as internet self-efficacy and online interaction quality), especially to obtain data during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this study also aims to examine the moderating role of perceived social support in the association between proactive personality and Internet self-efficacy and the association between proactive personality and online interaction quality. Similarly, the moderating influence of perceived social support also investigated the mediating effects of internet self-efficacy & online interaction quality. This study used online survey tools to collect data from 332 respondents, including students and teachers from Islamabad, the federal capital of Pakistan. In this study, we found that the proactive personality of students strengthened their social capital through online interaction quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, perceived social support strengthened the mediating effect of online interaction quality in the association between proactive personality and social capital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects of Stay-at-Home Policies, Social Distancing Behavior, and Social Resources

Article

Aug 2020
PSYCHIAT RES

Social distancing is the most visible public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its implications for mental health are unknown. In a nationwide online sample of 435 U.S. adults, conducted in March 2020 as the pandemic accelerated and states implemented stay-at-home orders, we examined whether stay-at-home orders and individuals’ personal distancing behavior were associated with symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and acute stress. Stay-at-home order status and personal distancing were independently associated with higher symptoms, beyond protective effects of available social resources (social support and social network size). A subsample of 118 participants who had completed symptom measures earlier in the outbreak (February 2020) showed increases in depression and GAD between February and March, and personal distancing behavior was associated with these increases. Findings suggest that there are negative mental health correlates of social distancing, which should be addressed in research, policy, and clinical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chasing John Snow: data analytics in the COVID-19 era

Article

Jul 2020

During the first half of 2020, the lives of people around the world abruptly changed due to COVID-19. Data visualisations and models related to the spread of the disease became ubiquitous. In this paper, we survey 25 different data analytics dashboards, highlight the modelling approach taken by each, and develop a multi-attribute utility theory model to assess their effectiveness in communicating key features that explain the spread of infectious disease. We show that the dashboards that feature dimensions that span the categories associated with compartmental epidemiology models tend to be relatively robust data visualisations, and we highlight that information systems need to be improved to include data on actions to reduce the spread of the disease. We analyse the actions taken by countries around the world and show that when governments employ strict measures early, particularly those that enforce social distancing and include widespread testing and comprehensive contact tracing, they are more likely to experience better outcomes. Recommendations for how countries should respond in future pandemics are detailed.

Do digital celebrities' relationships and social climate matter? Impulse buying in f-commerce

Article

Jul 2020
INTERNET RES

Purpose Growing evidence asserts that individuals are inclined to buy impulsively in the social commerce environment due to interactive elements. However, extant literature does not reveal the influence of emerging digital celebrities and their communities on impulse buying, although users may encounter them synchronously. Hence, this study explores the impact of parasocial relationships and social climate on impulse buying following the stimulus–organism–response framework with the incorporation of the urge to buy. Besides, this research investigates the role of hedonic and utility gratification-seeking behavior in parasocial relationships following uses and gratifications theory (UGT). Design/methodology/approach An empirical research study was conducted on Facebook, and data were collected from Pakistani users who followed digital celebrities. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was employed to analyze the valid data of 231 respondents. Findings The results indicate that integrated constructs significantly influence impulse buying with complementary partial mediation of urge to buy. Besides, social climate significantly interacts the relationship of parasocial relationships and impulse buying. Further, passing time, enjoyment and information seeking has a significant impact on parasocial relationships, except for self-presentation. Originality/value This research provides key knowledge to comprehend the overall phenomenon of emerging digital celebrities through the integration of their parasocial relationships and the social climate of their communities, with potential intervening and interaction effects. This study also unveils the role of gratifications in building digital celebrities' parasocial relationships.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates

Article

Jun 2020
QJM-INT J MED

Leo Sher

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression, and insomnia in the general population and among health care professionals. Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress, and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use, and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas. Stress-related psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are associated with suicidal behavior. COVID-19 survivors may also be at elevated suicide risk. The COVID-19 crisis may increase suicide rates during and after the pandemic. Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis including suicidal behavior are likely to be present for a long time and peak later than the actual pandemic. To reduce suicides during the COVID-19 crisis it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fears and loneliness in the general population. There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors, and older adults. Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

An investigation of game behavior in the context of digital game-based learning: An individual difference perspective

Article

May 2020
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) includes various features. On the other hand, diversities exist among learners. Accordingly, each learner may appreciate different game features. Thus, there is a need to examine how individual differences affect learners' reactions to DGBL. Among various individual differences, the levels of gaming experience, which are associated with playing skills, have important effects. Thus, this study developed a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG)-based English learning environment and investigated how the levels of gaming experience affected learners' reactions to the developed MMORPG. A total of 45 sixth graders from an elementary school in northern Taiwan participated in this study and they were divided into high gaming-experience learners (HGEL) and low gaming-experience learners (LGEL) based on the participants' responses to a prior gaming experience questionnaire. A mixed method was employed to analyze both learners' quantitative log data and qualitative interview responses. The results from quantitative log data showed that the HGEL had better game achievement and higher game socialization than the LGEL, especially in terms of buying items, chatting, and teaming up with friends. Conversely, the LGEL needed more in-game assistance than the HGEL, especially for checking the task list and route map. The results from qualitative interview responses showed that the HGEL skipped most of the learning content while the LGEL paid full attention to the learning content. These findings demonstrate the understandings of the effects of individual differences, especially the levels of gaming experience, on learners’ reactions to DGBL. Based on such findings, we contribute to developing a framework and several design solutions, which can be used to implement personalized DGBL to accommodate the needs of learners with different levels of gaming experience.

COVID-19 outbreak: Migration, effects on society, global environment and prevention

Article

Apr 2020
SCI TOTAL ENVIRON

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War. In December 2019, a new infectious respiratory disease emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China and was named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). A new class of corona virus, known as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has been found to be responsible for occurrence of this disease. As far as the history of human civilization is concerned there are instances of severe outbreaks of diseases caused by a number of viruses. According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO as of April 18 2020), the current outbreak of COVID-19, has affected over 2164111 people and killed more than 146,198 people in more than 200 countries throughout the world. Till now there is no report of any clinically approved antiviral drugs or vaccines that are effective against COVID-19. It has rapidly spread around the world, posing enormous health, economic, environmental and social challenges to the entire human population. The coronavirus outbreak is severely disrupting the global economy. Almost all the nations are struggling to slow down the transmission of the disease by testing & treating patients, quarantining suspected persons through contact tracing, restricting large gatherings, maintaining complete or partial lock down etc. This paper describes the impact of COVID-19 on society and global environment, and the possible ways in which the disease can be controlled has also been discussed therein.

Relation of Environment Sustainability to CSR and Green Innovation: A Case of Pakistani Manufacturing Industry

Article

Dec 2019
J CLEAN PROD

Although extensive studies have focused on the impact of different corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on environmental sustainability, few studies investigated the effects of CSR activities on environmentally sustainable development and green innovation. Yet, as a determinant of environmental strategies, green innovation haven’t received much attention. Therefore, this study explored how different CSR dimensions impacts on environmentally sustainable development and further on green innovation. Data were collected from 282 respondents belonging to the manufacturing industries of Pakistan from January 2019 to April 2019; and analyzed by adopting methods of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and grey relational analysis. As per study results, all dimensions of CSR were found positively significant towards environmentally sustainable development. Further, the environmentally sustainable development positively enhances green innovation. This research employed an innovative attempt to evaluate the ranking of these constructs by using grey relational analysis whereby it was found that CSR to environment had a stronger effect, whereas CSR to consumer had a weaker impact on environmentally sustainable development. The research findings suggest that CSR activities should be embedded in the organizational environmental strategies for green innovation, as all CSR dimensions had positive relations with environmentally sustainable development.

Gaming the System: The Effects of Social Capital as a Resource for Virtual Team Members

Article

Nov 2019
INFORM MANAGE-AMSTER

Increasingly individuals interact with one another through information and communication technologies in virtual teams. Leveraging the resource-based view of the firm and social capital theory, we examine how a team member’s social capital (a resource) affects the team member’s perception of the quality of knowledge shared within the team (a capability) and the benefits to the individual team member (an outcome). Using the context of massively multiplayer online role-playing games, we find that within virtual teams, relational and cognitive social capital contribute to knowledge quality, which in turn positively benefits the outcomes of individual team members.

The impact of social media celebrities' posts and contextual interactions on impulse buying in social commerce

Article

Oct 2019
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Social commerce has altered the consumption experience due to various interactive factors. Growing evidence stated that users are prone to buy impulsively in such an environment. Prior studies were limited to demonstrate the emerging role of social media celebrities and embedded social interaction in the context of impulse buying though users encounter them concurrently and frequently while browsing. Hence, this study investigated the influence of celebrities' post authenticity, sentiment polarity, observational learning, and impulse buying tendency following the latent state-trait theory. We have used the data of 452 Pakistani respondents to empirically investigate the research model collected via an online questionnaire from celebrities' community on Facebook. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data. The findings revealed that proposed constructs significantly influence the urge to buy impulsively. Further, impulse buying tendency moderates all relationships except negative sentiments. Unexpectedly, the moderation effects of celebrities’ authenticity are insignificant. Furthermore, fsQCA results show the robustness of constructs towards urge to buy impulsively. The theoretical and managerial implications with limitations are provided in the paper.

Antecedents and consequences of excessive online social gaming: a social learning perspective

Article

Sep 2019
Inform Tech People

Purpose Drawing on the social learning theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents and consequences of users’ excessive online social gaming. Specifically, the authors develop a model to propose that observational learning and reinforcement learning mechanisms together determine excessive online social gaming, which further foster adverse consequences. Design/methodology/approach The model is empirically validated by a longitudinal survey among users of a popular online social game: Arena of Valor. The empirical data are analyzed using component-based structural equation modeling approach. Findings The empirical results offer two key findings. First, excessive online social gaming is determined by observational learning factors, i.e. social frequency and social norm, and reinforcement learning factors, i.e. perceived enjoyment and perceived escapism. Second, excessive online social gaming leads to three categories of adverse consequences: technology-family conflict, technology-work conflict and technology-person conflict. Meanwhile, technology-family conflict and technology-work conflict further foster technology-person conflict. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by developing a nomological framework of excessive online social gaming and by extending the social learning theory to excessive technology use.

Are Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games healthy or not and why? Preliminary support for a Compensatory Social Interaction model

Article

Aug 2019
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Data and theory have generated mixed results about the positive versus negative psychological effects of massively multiplayer role-playing games (MMORPGs). Such games provide opportunities to interact with others in ways that (like in-person groups) can foster cooperation and social support from others; however, they can facilitate social aggression and peer victimization as well. The current study involved multi-group path analysis of survey data obtained from 337 frequent MMORPG users. The paper proposes and supports a Compensatory Social Interaction model in which MMORPG play was simultaneously associated with healthy outcomes as a function of higher online social support and adverse outcomes as a function of online peer victimization. These countervailing processes offset one another, ostensibly suggesting that MMORPG use was unassociated with these outcomes; however, follow-up analyses revealed that the kind of outcome depended on individuals’ levels of online social support versus victimization. Results are interpreted in light of the Compensatory Social Interaction model and possible clinical applications.

Avatar capital: The relationships between player orientation and their avatar’s social, symbolic, economic and cultural capital

Article

Jul 2019
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Revisiting MMORPGs in Support of Learning: Changes in the Last Decade

Chapter

Jan 2019

Bodi Anderson

This enhanced chapter revisits a previous literature analysis of research on the potential educational benefits of the use of massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG) by considering both changes in the medium itself and recent trends in research. Initially, a working operational definition of MMORPGs in education is considered in light of research to date with a focus on how MMORPGs differ from most video games in terms of types of player-game interaction, levels of player-player interaction, and environments in which interaction occurs. Next considering previous and current theoretical and empirical studies on MMORPGs from a variety of disciplines, including education, psychology, and linguistics, a conceptual framework for the use of MMORPGs in support of learning is created. Finally, an overview of current research trends in MMORPGs is provided, concluding with suggestions concerning future research of the use of MMORPGs in support of learning.

The association of psychological capital, career adaptability and career competency among hotel frontline employees

Article

Apr 2019

Referring to career construction theory, this study tried to examine the association between psychological capital, career adaptability and career competency. Data were collected from 193 frontline employees in five-star hotels in North Cyprus in three different waves through a two-week time lag. The results clearly proved that there is a significant relationship between psychological capital and career adaptability. Additionally, career adaptability has a positive impact on career competency. In this relation, career adaptability mediates the relationship between psychological capital and career competency. Implications for practitioners and managers, study limitations and future research direction are discussed in this study.

Two Structural Equation Models: LISREL and PLS Applied to Consumer Exit-Voice Theory

Article

Nov 1982

In marketing applications of structural equation models with unobservable variables, researchers have relied almost exclusively on LISREL for parameter estimation. Apparently they have been little concerned about the frequent inability of marketing data to meet the requirements for maximum likelihood estimation or the common occurrence of improper solutions in LISREL modeling. The authors demonstrate that partial least squares (PLS) can be used to overcome these two problems. PLS is somewhat less well-grounded than LISREL in traditional statistical and psychometric theory. The authors show, however, that under certain model specifications the two methods produce the same results. In more general cases, the methods provide results which diverge in certain systematic ways. These differences are analyzed and explained in terms of the underlying objectives of each method.

Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error: Algebra and Statistics

Article

Aug 1981

Several issues relating to goodness of fit in structural equations are examined. The convergence and differentiation criteria, as applied by Bagozzi, are shown not to stand up under mathematical or statistical analysis. The authors argue that the choice of interpretative statistic must be based on the research objective. They demonstrate that when this is done the Fornell-Larcker testing system is internally consistent and that it conforms to the rules of correspondence for relating data to abstract variables.

Does avatar's character and emotional bond expose to gaming addiction? Two studies on virtual self-discrepancy, avatar identification and gaming addiction in massively multiplayer online role-playing game players

Article

Apr 2019
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

This study aims to analyze virtual self-discrepancy (VSD), avatar identification, and gaming addiction in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Two studies were conducted to test the relations between VSDs (i.e., idealized vs utopian avatar), avatar identification, and gaming addiction. In the cross-sectional survey (Study 1; 770 MMORPGs players) we assumed that higher MMORPG addiction was directly predicted by the construction of an idealized avatar (vs. utopian avatar) and by the avatar identification, which also mediated the relationship between the VSDs and gaming addiction. In the 2 × 2 experimental study (Study 2; 100 participants), manipulating VSD and avatar identification, we assumed that MMORPG addiction risk was higher in the idealized avatar-high identification condition than in the utopian avatar-low identification condition. Results confirmed that the more idealized the avatar was, the more the users increased their avatar identification (Study 1), that in turn was associated with gaming addiction (Study 1 and Study 2), and that only an idealized avatar (vs. utopian avatar) directly affected gaming addiction (Study 1). Furthermore, results showed that MMORPG addiction risk was higher in participants who customized an idealized avatar and identified with it (vs. utopian avatar-low identification) (Study 2).

Exploring the Differential Effects of Social and Individualistic Gameplay Motivations on Bridging Social Capital for Users of a Massively Multiplayer Online Game

Article

Oct 2018
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Ryan P. Castillo

This study examines the differential effects of social and individualistic motivations to play massively multiplayer online (MMO) games on feelings of general social support and tolerance (i.e., bridging social capital). Survey data collected from players of the popular MMO World of Warcraft (n = 147) were used to construct a structural equation model to assess the effects of various user motivations, behaviors, and demographic characteristics on self-reported bridging social capital. Results indicate that motivations to socialize and form relationships with other players have positive direct and indirect effects on bridging social capital, while individualistic motivations do not significantly influence the outcome variable. Additionally, the results reveal several demographic differences by age, sex, and number of online friends. Findings provide support for the “rich get richer” hypothesis (Kraut et al., 2002), suggesting that players with pre-established social networks and strong social skills are more likely to benefit from involvement in interactive online platforms. Limitations are discussed and directions for future research are proposed.

Are online role-playing games more social than multiplayer first-person shooters? Investigating how online gamers’ motivations and playing habits are related to social capital acquisition and social support

Article

Oct 2018

The question of whether online gaming can lead to the formation of meaningful social relationships or rather displaces real life social interactions and thus fosters isolation is still being discussed controversially. A type of game that has rarely been investigated in this context is the genre of online first-person shooters (FPS). The current study examines how playing the popular FPS Counter-Strike (CS) is related to social capital acquisition and to social support in general. In contrast to existing studies, not only playing frequency, but additional factors like specific playing habits and players’ motivations were considered. Further, a systematical comparison with a sample of players of the online role-playing game World of Warcraft (WOW) is provided. In total, 828 participants (419 CS players, 409 WOW players) filled out an online survey about their gaming behaviors and their social embeddedness. Within both subsamples, a high playing frequency was negatively related to social support, but showed some positive relationships with the acquisition of game-based social capital. Further analyses confirmed our expectation that neither FPS nor role-playing games are per se social or asocial, but that outcomes of playing depend on gamers’ motivations and playing habits. Accordingly, players with a high social motivation and with a more social playing style (i.e. clan/guild members and team players) received more positive social outcomes than less socially-oriented players.

Impact of service climate and psychological capital on employee engagement: The role of organizational hierarchy

Article

Sep 2018
Int J Hospit Manag

Despite the important role of employee engagement, research on the psychological factors affecting employee engagement is scarce. Furthermore, engagement research has focused on frontline employees, overlooking management employees. This study tested a conceptual model of the interrelationships among service climate, psychological capital, employee engagement, and turnover intention and explored the mediating effects of employee engagement. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships and an invariance test was employed to determine the effect of organizational hierarchy with a sample of hospitality frontline and management employees. Psychological capital and service climate were critical to elevating employee engagement and showed a stronger impact for managers’ engagement than frontline employees’ engagement. Furthermore, employee engagement was a critical mediator. The study fills important gaps in the hospitality literature and extends social exchange theory by showing reciprocal relationship differences between frontline employees and managers through an examination of organizational hierarchy.

Is there social capital in service exchange tools?: Investigating timebanking use and social capital development

Article

Apr 2018
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Timebanking is a peer-to-peer service exchange tool in which the services exchanged are valued by the time it takes to provide them. This study complements previous work by empirically examining if timebanking is positively related to social capital development. Grounded in the theoretical model of social capital, the study incorporated self-efficacy and timebanking activities (requests and offers) as predictor variables, trust and reciprocity as dimension variables, and sense of community as outcome variable of social capital. Using data from a survey distributed across the timebanks nationwide (N = 429), our findings provided evidence of positive relationships among self-efficacy, requests on timebanks, trust, and sense of community. We conclude that timebanking use is a promising way to develop social capital. Our study contributes to the understanding of social capital development on different mediated platforms. Unlike social network site use, it does not require members to personally construct the networks to reap associated social benefits. Timebanks help connect people, pool resources from the community, and pave the way for trust and reciprocity among members.

Online-only friends, real-life friends or strangers? Differential associations with passion and social capital in video game play

Article

Oct 2017
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

The present study tests a recently proposed model in which social video game play supports wellbeing by contributing to a harmonious type of engagement with the game. Players (N = 2030) of the online-only multiplayer first-person shooter game, Destiny, reported the frequency they played with real-life friends, online-only friends and strangers, their type of engagement with the game – measured as harmonious and obsessive passion, and completed a wellbeing measure of social capital. Telemetry data also recorded their total time playing over the duration of the study. A structural equation model supported the prediction that harmonious – but not obsessive – passion would mediate the positive association between playing with others and social capital. The findings also supported a supplementary hypothesis that the three types of social relationships would be differentially associated with two forms of social capital – bridging versus bonding – as a function of the closeness of social ties. Real-life friends was positively associated with bonding, strangers with bridging, and online-only friends with both. Overall, these results emphasise that social interactions in (and around) online multiplayer video games are effective for building social capital, and do so by ensuring game play is in harmony with other goals and values.

Social Capital Accumulation in Location-Based Mobile Game Playing: A Multiple-Process Approach

Article

Aug 2017

In the summer of 2016, the widespread popularization of the game Pokémon Go brought the public's attention to the possible socialization benefits associated with location-based mobile games (LBMGs), yet no studies to date have investigated this issue. LBMGs deserve greater research attention because this type of game provides a unique gaming experience that encourages players to leave their homes and navigate around their neighborhood. This distinctive feature may promote more face-to-face interactions among LBMG players. Grounded in social capital theories, the present study compared the levels of both bridging and bonding social capital between LBMG and non-LBMG players. More important, we formulated a multiple-process model to explain the hypothesized psychological mechanisms underlying social capital accumulation among LBMG players. Participants were 349 U.S. participants (57 percent men; Mage = 32.40, SDage = 7.92, age range = 19-66). Results supported the proposed model by revealing that face-to-face interaction was crucial to the accrual of both bridging and bonding social capital among LBMG players, through enhancing their levels of communication frequency and self-disclosure. The present findings have implications for the utilization of LBMG as a potential tool to promote face-to-face interactions and accumulate social capital.

The Contribution of Mobile Social Media to Social Capital and Psychological Well-Being: Examining the Role of Communicative Use, Friending and Self-Disclosure

Article

Jun 2017
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Using a two-wave panel in Hong Kong, this study examines how different uses of mobile social media contribute to individuals’ social capital and psychological well-being. Findings showed that communicative use and self-disclosure on mobile social media were positively related to bonding and bridging capital and psychological well-being. Friending was also positively related to bridging capital, but not to bonding capital and psychological well-being. Moreover, both bonding and bridging capital mediated the relationship between mobile social media use and psychological well-being. This study highlights the unique social and technological affordances of smartphones by examining mobile social media use and how it contributes to quality of life.

The role of social identity and online social capital on psychosocial outcomes in MMO players

Article

Sep 2017
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Research on online gaming engagement and psychosocial outcomes is somewhat contradictory, which may be due to inconsistencies in outcome measures and conceptualization of gaming engagement. To add clarity to this, we explored these relationships using a number of different indictors of “engagement” Additionally, we examined the role of social identity and online social capital as mediators of online gaming engagement and psychosocial outcomes. We addressed this in a sample of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMOs) players (N = 708), via an online questionnaire. Findings revealed positive relationships between MMO engagement, MMO identity, and online social capital. Additionally, MMO identity related positively to self-esteem and social competence, and negatively with loneliness. Differential outcomes were also found between social capital and loneliness. Specifically, loneliness was negatively related to online bonding, but positively with online bridging capital, highlighting the importance of exploring the constitution of gaming communities to assess their role in promoting varying dimensions of social capital and the associated psychological correlates. Taken together, we evidence the psychosocial benefits of MMO engagement, specifically in relation to the social value of identifying and connecting with others in MMOs. Additionally, we highlight the complexities surrounding the concept and measurement of gaming engagement.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and Socio-Emotional Wellbeing

Article

Apr 2017
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

Expanding and building on our previous study, the current study mainly explored the degree to which older adults' social interactions in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are associated with four socio-emotional factors. A total of 222 older World of Warcraft players, recruited online, completed a Web questionnaire. Consistent with the findings of the previous study, older adults' socio-emotional wellbeing was associated with the quality of guild play and enjoyment of relationship. Socio-emotional wellbeing was not associated with the amount of gameplay, intensity of interaction, network level and social motivation for playing MMORPGs. In addition, the findings also indicated that a large number of older adults developed meaningful online relationships with their game friends, but that it would be difficult for them to integrate these online friends into their 'real' lives. Gerontology researchers have established that social interaction is important for successful aging. A decrease in social interaction and cognitive decline have become a normal part of ageing, leading to serious social and emotional challenges such as loneliness and depression. Due to the in-game mechanisms, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are online communities where older adults can build and maintain meaningful and supportive relationships, but there is still a lack of understanding of whether or how these occur. This research investigated older adults' social interactions in MMORPGs and the degree to which these are associated with four socio-emotional factors-loneliness, depression, social support, and belongingness.

Factors promoting sense of coherence among university students in urban areas of Japan: individual-level social capital, self-efficacy, and mental health

Article

Apr 2017

Objective: Sense of coherence (SOC) is a concept that helps to explain the relation between personal intentionality as psychosocial factors and health-related behaviors. Thus, it is essential to enhance SOC when encouraging a healthy lifestyle. However, the factors that promote SOC have not been fully investigated among university students. The objective of this study was to clarify the general resistance resources (GRRs) that may promote the development of the SOC among university students. Therefore, we examined the relationship between SOC and social capital (SC), self-efficacy, and mental health. Methods: Participants included 443 students from nine academic departments at eight universities in the Kanto or Kinki metropolitan areas of Japan. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire. Individual-level cognitive and structural SC, generalized self-efficacy, mental health inventory (from SF-36v2), and SOC were measured. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling was conducted to verify the factor structure of the SOC-13 scale. Stepwise multiple regression analysis and two-way layout analysis of variance were performed with SOC as the dependent variable. Results: The factor structure of SOC indicated the optimal model fit in the second-order three-factor model of the 12 items. SOC was predicted by five variables: age, cognitive SC, structural SC, mental health, and self-efficacy. For students from urban areas, SOC was predicted by the interaction between cognitive and structural SC. Conclusion: SOC was significantly related to cognitive SC, structural SC, and self-efficacy as well as mental health in university students from urban areas. Furthermore, the combination of higher-level cognitive SC and higher-level structural SC exerted an inhibitory influence on SOC among students who previously and currently live in urban areas. Therefore, the findings indicated that both cognitive and structural SC as well as self-efficacy may act as GRRs that promote the development of SOC, and similarly, good mental health may promote a strong SOC.

Rewarded and unrewarded competition in a CSCL environment: A coopetition design with a social cognitive perspective using PLS-SEM analyses

Article

Feb 2017
COMPUT HUM BEHAV

This study examined how learning processes unfold and vary when rewards are provided or not provided to groups on a competitive basis in hopes of informing the improvement of incentive systems in collaborative settings. It employed the idea of coopetition by integrating rewarded and unrewarded competition with collaboration to form two coopetition designs: social-comparison coopetition (unrewarded competition) and zero-sum coopetition (rewarded competition). Interrelationships among self-efficacy, social support, self-regulated learning, motivation for achievement, and critical thinking, which hold significance for collaborative learning and education, were used to model learning processes with PLS-SEM. Sixty-three university students joined the study. Data sources included survey data and students' academic scores. The findings indicated that social-comparison coopetition (unrewarded competition) demonstrated advantages over zero-sum coopetition (rewarded competition) in facilitating students' collaboration. Self-efficacy exerted distinct influences over self-regulated learning in the two coopetition designs. It significantly predicted student's motivation for achievement in social-comparison coopetition while not in zero-sum coopetition. Motivation for achievement significantly predicted the development of critical thinking in social-comparison coopetition but not in zero-sum coopetition. Surprisingly, social support did not contribute significantly to self-regulated learning in either coopetition design. This paper concludes with implications for refining incentive systems in collaborative learning settings.

The Connection Between Introversion/Extraversion and Social Capital Outcomes of Playing World of Warcraft

Article

Feb 2017

Some studies indicated that playing online games yields a "rich-get-richer effect'' and is especially socially beneficial for extraverted players, while other authors argue that online gaming could have compensational effects for introverted players. The current survey study (N=409) investigates the connection between introversion/extraversion and social capital outcomes of playing the popular role-playing game World of Warcraft and shows that the rich-get-richer and the compensation perspective are not mutually exclusive. Path analysis revealed that extraverted players communicated and self-disclosed more extensively, more often engaged in team play, and, hence, had better chances to build up social capital than introverts. However, at least some of the introverted players used the game for social compensation. These players chose a more social playing style, which increased their chances to acquire social capital. The results demonstrate that the group of introverted players is more heterogeneous than previously thought and that the links between personality aspects and social outcomes of playing are quite complex and rather indirect than direct.

Does the social platform established by MMORPGs build social and psychological capital?

Abstract

No full-text available

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