Elizabeth Larez
Numerous previous studies have researched the connection between personality and motivation in films. However, few studies have researched this topic on video games.
This study aimed to study people who enjoy feeling negative emotions while playing the video game Subnautica by examining how personality traits relate to motivation. The supporting three hypothesis were as follows:
• H1: Players describe Subnautica as an emotionally challenging gaming experience.
• H2: Players with specific personality traits report a higher overall enjoyment of Subnautica.
• H3: Personality traits significantly impact intrinsic motivation levels in Subnautica.
A total of 34 eligible participants were surveyed. The 50-item self-report Big Five Inventory was employed to examine personality traits. The 15-item self-report FiveFactor Inventory of Intrinsic Motivations to Gameplay modified to focus on the video game Subnautica was applied to measure intrinsic motivations. A linear regression using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient uncovered one single correlation: a positive correlation between the personality trait Neuroticism and the intrinsic motivation Immersion was found with a R of 0.406 and a p-value of 0.017.
The results yielded the conclusion that, regarding H1, 79.4% of participants rated Subnautica as somewhat emotionally challenging or very emotionally challenging; in regards to H2, there were no positive correlations between personality traits and enjoyment of Subnautica, with a Fun p-value higher than 0.05; concluding with H3, only the personality trait of Neuroticism and the intrinsic motivation factor of Immersion were found to be positively correlated in individuals who played Subnautica.
Overview: Numerous previous studies have researched the connection between personality and motivation in films. However, few studies have researched this topic on video games.
Objectives: This study aimed to study people who enjoy feeling negative emotions while playing the video game Subnautica by examining how personality traits relate to motivation. The supporting three hypothesis were as follows:
• H1: Players describe Subnautica as an emotionally challenging gaming experience.
• H2: Players with specific personality traits report a higher overall enjoyment of Subnautica.
• H3: Personality traits significantly impact intrinsic motivation levels in Subnautica.
Results: In H1, 79.4% of participants rated Subnautica as somewhat emotionally challenging or very emotionally challenging; in regards to H2, there were no positive correlations between personality traits and enjoyment of Subnautica, with a Fun p-value higher than 0.05; concluding with H3, only the personality trait of Neuroticism and the intrinsic motivation factor of Immersion were found to be positively correlated in individuals who played Subnautica.
I’m a UX Researcher with a MSc in Cyberpsychology focusing on cognitive and behavioral psychology, and affective, perceptive and persuasive neuroscience. My 7+ years of work experience are centered in elevating business goals while advocating for the user’s needs.
