An Analysis of Role-Play Gaming Habits in Regard to Escapism and Need for Cognition

Abstract

Escapism research historically focused on the relationship between specific activities encouraging escape from negative experiences, and personality constructs related to escape frequency. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between escapism behaviors and personality constructs in a Role Play Game (RPG) specific context. Data was gathered from 64 undergraduate students at the University of Central Missouri. Based on responses to a forced-choice questionnaire regarding RPG playing, participants were placed into either a gamer or nongamer group, and completed a self-report questionnaire packet. Analysis showed that responses from gamers were comparable to responses from nongamers on all measures, indicating that the two groups did not differ on the specific factors examined. Further investigation is suggested to better understand the nature of RPG gaming and the desire to escape reality. It is also suggested that need for cognition be examined in tandem with other forms of escape behavior.