Which Internet Gaming Disorder criterion involves using games to escape or relieve negative mood?

• A. Preoccupation
• B. Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away
• C. Use of internet games to escape or relieve negative mood
• D. Jeopardized or lost a significant relationship

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is mood regulation through gaming. This criterion captures when a person uses internet games specifically to escape or relieve uncomfortable feelings like sadness, anxiety, or irritability. It reflects a coping strategy where gaming serves to manage negative mood states, which can create a cycle: the mood worsens when not gaming, so the person returns to gaming for relief.

This is why it’s the best answer: it directly describes using gaming as a means to alter mood, rather than focusing on how often one thinks about games (preoccupation), the distress experienced when not playing (withdrawal), or the social consequences (jeopardized relationships). For example, someone might play to forget problems after a stressful day, rather than to pursue enjoyment or social connection. Recognizing this pattern helps explain how mood-driven gaming can contribute to problematic use.