This research project focuses on Gaming Disorder, a new diagnosis that has recently been included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). With the use of psychodynamic and longitudinal approaches, we aim to explore the role of intrinsic motivations, affective dysregulation, coping strategies, and other potential factors associated with Gaming Disorder in order to investigate the causes and development of this problematic behaviour. First, we plan to conduct a three-wave online panel survey (within an 18-month period) on the Czech gaming population. Second, qualitative longitudinal in-depth interviews will provide information about individuals at risk of Gaming Disorder within three waves of data collection over an 18-monthlong period. Research findings will expand the current knowledge about Gaming Disorder, including their underlying psychodynamic factors, manifestations, outcomes, and development over time.

The three-year project will focus on sexuality in individuals in the second half of middle and late adulthood (i.e., aged 50 and over). This topic will be closely studied in relation to (1) couple relationships and (2) internet use for both sexual purposes and establishing new contacts, because these two contextual phenomena may greatly influence the patterns of ageing, including sexual behaviour. With the use of in-depth interviews, a secondary data analysis of the European SHARE project, content analyses of sexual health related online platforms, and an online survey, we aim to research the meaning and function of sexuality, the forms of couple relationships; intimate life, including the role of the internet in sexual behaviour and couple relationships; and a focus on expanding our understanding of (often tabooed) sexuality in the second half of life. Attention will be also paid to barriers that prevent older adults from fulfilling their sexual needs.

The project focuses on behavioral addictions related to online gaming and internet use for sexual purposes, which are among the most risky online activities in terms of developing pathological internet use and which the American Psychiatric Association has considered for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The project aims to investigate their etiology, whether and in what way they meet the criteria for addictive behaviors. An analysis of longitudinal data on online gaming, interviews with individuals who suffer from out-of-control online gaming and use of the internet for sexual purposes, and an online survey on the same topic will be carried out. Research findings will expand current knowledge of symptoms of pathological online gaming and use of the internet for sexual purposes as well as specify potential diagnostic criteria needed for their inclusion in diagnostic manuals (DSM or International Classification of Diseases).