ESCAPISM AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AMONG E-SPORTS GAMER STUDENTS AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Escapism refers to the inclination to divert attention from real-life stressors by engaging in activities that provide temporary psychological relief or distraction. In contrast, relationship satisfaction pertains to the extent to which individuals feel emotionally, socially, and psychologically fulfilled within their romantic partnerships. This satisfaction is influenced by key factors such as quality time spent together, open communication, emotional intimacy, and shared interests.  In recent years, e-sports, defined as competitive and organized video gaming, has emerged as a global cultural and economic phenomenon, cultivating both recreational and professional communities. As the popularity of online gaming continues to grow, it has notably reshaped entertainment, social interaction, and interpersonal dynamics. Many e-sport games demand substantial time investment for players to develop skills, engage in competitive matches, and achieve higher rankings. This intense time commitment can strain romantic relationships, particularly when gaming begins to take precedence over meaningful partner interaction. The relevance of this issue is amplified in today’s society, where digital engagement is deeply embedded in daily life and an increasing number of couples choose to cohabitate before marriage. This study employed a quantitative correlational research design to explore the relationship between flow state and romantic relationship satisfaction among student e-sport gamers. Data were gathered using two standardized and psychometrically validated instruments: the Flow Short Scale (FSS) by Rheinberg, Vollmeyer, and Engeser, which measures the degree and frequency of flow experiences during gameplay; and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI) developed by Funk and Rogge, which assesses perceived satisfaction within romantic relationships.  Participants were recruited through snowball sampling, targeting third- and fourth-year students who had been actively engaged in competitive e-sports for a minimum of two years and involved in a committed romantic relationship for at least two years. A total of 60 respondents met these criteria and completed the survey instruments.  Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics—including frequency distributions, percentages, and rankings—to describe demographic and behavioral variables. Additionally, Likert scale responses were interpreted to evaluate levels of flow and satisfaction, while the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was employed to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between the two variables. The study reported an average escapism score of 5.08 and an average relationship satisfaction score of 5.65 among the respondents. These findings indicate that while escapist behaviors are present among e-sport gamers, they are not the primary drivers of satisfaction in romantic relationships. The relatively high satisfaction score suggests that factors such as open communication, emotional closeness, mutual understanding, and relationship stability may play a more influential role in shaping overall relationship fulfillment. This emphasizes the complex interplay of psychological and relational variables and suggests that romantic satisfaction among gamers cannot be solely attributed to escapist tendencies. Instead, a broader perspective that considers multiple dimensions of the relationship is essential for a more comprehensive understanding. These findings highlight the nuanced nature of escapism within the context of gaming and its relationship with romantic dynamics. Rather than viewing escapism as inherently negative, the results indicate that its effects depend largely on how it is balanced within the relationship. When combined with open communication, mutual understanding, and strong emotional support, escapist behaviors like gaming can coexist with high relationship satisfaction. These insights emphasize the importance of developing targeted educational resources to help couples manage individual interests without sacrificing relational well-being. Promoting awareness and healthy boundaries can ultimately contribute to more resilient and fulfilling partnerships in today’s increasingly digital world.