Date

12-4-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Nathan Borrett

Keywords

gaming, socialization, self-verification, personal purpose, phenomenology

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how online gamers aged 20 to 40 experience the impact of socialization on self-verification and personal purpose. Semi-structured interviews with eleven participants were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to capture the essence of participants lived experiences and the sample population consisted of 12 participants. Findings revealed two overarching themes and in the themes several subthemes that include: Emotional Regulation, Social Presence, Stress Relief, Gaming as Social Connection and Maintenance and lifestyle balance. Participants described gaming as central to sustaining meaningful relationships, regulating stress, exploring identity, and receiving validation from peers. They also emphasized intentional strategies to balance gaming with broader life responsibilities. The collective of these experiences demonstrates that gaming functions as not only entertainment but as a significant tool for community building, identity development, and emotional well-being. These findings reflect William Swann’s self-verification theory and social identity by illustrating that digital environments can replicate and enrich validation processes traditionally found in face-to-face interactions. The implications of this study suggest that psychology, education, and digital wellness along with other E-commerce communities should recognize gaming as a constructive space for fostering resilience, connection, and self-exploration.

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