COUPLE PROBLEMS by VIDEO GAMES

We live in a connected world where the use of technological tools such as internet, videogames, mobile contributes to most of opportunities to improve people's quality of life, although its implementation in our daily lives is not exempt from controversy. Its proper use generates important benefits, but its inappropriate or excessive use can lead to problems. In this sense, the most controversial aspect that creates the greatest social alarm is the addictive potential.

Does your partner spend a lot of time on the console, on the mobile phone or on the computer playing video games and this only causes problems for you? You no longer know what to do to get him / her out of front of the screen? Do you feel worried because all the problems are about the same topic? In this Psychology-Online article, we help you to better understand the possible causes, consequences and solutions of video game relationship problems.

Index

1. Causes of video game relationship problems
2. Consequences of video game relationship problems
3. How to solve relationship problems through video games

Relationship problems through video games are usually evidenced when this behavior is, or becomes, addictive. This is manifested when the time spent by one of the members of the couple in front of the screen playing exceeds the time spent by the other. The main causes of video game relationship problems are:

• Tolerance: Each time you need to play or connect for longer or more games, so that the initial use pattern is no longer sufficient.
• Withdrawal and discomfort when gambling is interrupted- When you feel distressed by the lack of Internet connection or when you have not played or connected for a while.
• Gambling or using the Internet more than was initially intended, despite knowing that it is being harmful.
• Not being able to stop playing or use the internet.
• Affects daily activities: spending excessive time with video games / Internet, to such an extent that it interferes with daily activities.
• Disinterest in other hobbies: stop doing other activities or miss opportunities to play or be on the Internet.

Although it is true that there does not necessarily have to be an addictive pattern in the consumption of video games for problems to manifest in the couple, it is this casuistry that we most commonly find in query.

Also, it is important to note that video game addiction it may be the manifestation of another problem that is going undercover. For this reason, whenever we find ourselves in a situation of suspicion where our partner spends more time who should be playing video games, the best thing to do is to communicate with him / her and find out what is wrong with him / her going.

Whenever we encounter difficulties to address a problem like this, it is recommended consult a specialist before we try to do anything ourselves without knowing if it can really help or harm the other person.

How do video games affect relationships? The most obvious consequences of this problem are the alteration of a socially adaptive lifestyle and the alteration of the daily temporal organization due to excessive dedication to the game, causing severe interference in other activities.

Other consequences of video game relationship problems can be:

• Reduction of interpersonal relationships, leading to problems and arguments with the couple.
• Decrease in academic or work performance.
• Abandonment of pleasant leisure activities with the partner.
• Decrease in quality time spent with the couple.

In this article, we give you more information about the video game addiction: symptoms, consequences and treatment.

The solution of relationship problems, caused by the addiction to video games of one of the members, goes through solving the basic problem. In this case, the studies conclude that the cognitive behavioral therapy it is an appropriate modality for tackling this problem. Therefore, one of the solutions, and the most effective, is through visit a specialist who can apply techniques for the treatment of video game dependence.

Some of the techniques used to treat addiction to video games are self-recording of the use that is made and the awareness of the consequences of excessive use, goal setting, psychoeducation and modification of irrational thoughts.

The objectives of these techniques and, in general, of cognitive-behavioral therapy in this case, are the following:

• Improve the organization and time management of the affected person.
• Help you recognize the benefits and potential dangers of the internet and video games, as well as the triggers for episodes of abuse.
• Help manage emotions and impulsivity. In this article, we tell you how to positively manage emotions and feelings.
• Improve communication skills.
• Cultivate alternative activities that keep you away from video games.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Relationship problems due to video games: causes, consequences and how to solve them, we recommend that you enter our category of Couple therapy.

• American psychiatric association, (2014). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders DSM - 5. Madrid Spain. Editorial medica panamericana.
• Labrador, F. J., (coord.) (2008). Behavior modification techniques. Madrid. Pyramid.
• Marco, C., Chóliz, M., (2013). Cognitive-behavioral treatment in a case of Internet and video game addiction. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 13 (3),125-141.