{
  "id": 13996040,
  "title": "Gaming disorder screening may overlook women who play to cope with stress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/gaming-disorder-screening-may-overlook-women-who-play-to-cope-with",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-12T16:20:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-gaming-disorder-screening-overlook-women.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A study conducted by researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has revealed that women who play video games may be overlooked by conventional diagnostic tools for gaming disorder. The study, published in European Psychiatry, found that female gamers tend to favor immersive games, such as role-playing games, simulations, and puzzles, over the competitive games typically favored by men. These women also reported using video games as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, although this coping strategy could potentially contribute to the development of gaming disorder. Current screening tools, however, primarily focus on the masculine aspects of gaming, such as social conflict and competition, and overlook the emotional regulation aspects that are more relevant to women. This oversight may result in women with gaming disorder being identified only after they seek help for other issues, as they may be perceived negatively by therapists who associate gaming with laziness or immaturity. Additionally, women face barriers to seeking help, including fear of judgment and the perception that self-help groups are male-dominated. The study also highlights the sexist treatment experienced by female gamers online, including derogatory comments and exclusion. The researchers emphasize the need to recognize and address the distinct experiences of women who play video games, as their invisibility in discussions about problematic gaming and the diversity of gaming practices represents both a scientific and cultural issue.",
  "summary": "Playing more and more, struggling to cut back, or continuing to game despite its negative impact on everyday life can all be signs of gaming disorder. But what about women who play video games and may be overlooked by conventional diagnostic tools?",
  "key_points": [
    "Women gamers favor immersive games over competitive ones.",
    "Current screening tools overlook emotional regulation aspects relevant to women.",
    "Women face barriers and sexist treatment in seeking help for gaming disorder."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}