Few studies have examined the impact of online video game addiction
on addicts’ family members. The purpose of this study is to
describe the lived experiences of the spouses of online video game
addicts via qualitative, phenomenological methodology. Data were
gathered via online, open-ended questions and suggested three categories
that described participants’ experiences of being married to
an online video game addict: Changes in My Husband, Changes
in Me, and Changes in the Marital Relationship. Among these categories,
seven themes and 12 subthemes emerged. The study concludes
by discussing the essence of the phenomenon, as well as
implications for therapy.