When symptoms shape social ties: mental health as a predictor of online and in-person network evolution among gamers

Abstract

Two-wave longitudinal survey of adult gamers (n=236) over ~6 months. Partial least squares models: higher baseline trait anxiety predicted declines in online closeness, confiding, and positive interactions; higher depressive symptoms predicted increases in in-person closeness/confiding but decreases in online interaction quality. Strong gaming community integration sometimes coincided with reduced in-person relationship quality.