Under Pressure

• DOI: 10.1145/3474666
• Publication Date: 2021-10-06T22:59:48Z
• Authors: Nicole A. Beres; Madison Klarkowski; Regan L. Mandryk
• Keywords: Choking; Peer pressure; Social pressure; Video game

Video games frequently invoke high-pressure circumstances in which player performance is crucial. These are incubators for 'choking' and 'clutching'-phenomena that broadly address critical failures successes performance, respectively. The eruption of esports into the mainstream has vitalized need to understand video games, particularly competitive spaces. In this work, we explore potential mechanisms behind choking clutching how they related traits tendencies. We report results multiple regression analyses, finding propensity choke positively correlated with Reinvestment, Obsessive Passion, Public Self-Consciousness, as well Approach Avoidance coping styles. Likewise, find clutch negatively Social Anxiety, Private Self-Consciousness experience gaming. propose these findings can be utilized scaffold support gaming spaces, such esports. This work represents an initial step empirical exploration game contexts.