APS Branch
Overview
Video gaming is one of the most prevalent entertainment mediums worldwide. According to a 2020 Australian gaming industry report, two-thirds of Australians engage in gaming. While traditional media has often focused on the negative aspects of gaming, research has demonstrated that gaming can yield beneficial and healthy outcomes.
However, for a subset of individuals, excessive gaming can result in adverse consequences. The terms Internet Gaming Disorder and, more recently, Gaming Disorder are used to describe patterns of gaming behaviour associated with significant negative impacts on personal, social, and occupational functioning. It is important to note that not all individuals who play games exhibit disordered behaviours. For people who participated in the 2025 introductory Gaming Addiction webinar, in addition to previously covered information, the 2026 webinar will look at new research exploring the importance of looking beyond the individual presenting with gaming-related difficulties, and considering the influence of parental factors. This workshop will also serve as a foundation for more in-depth discussion in a full day workshop currently planned for 24th August 2026, which will expand on the role of parents and other family members in the treatment of Gaming Disorder.
Please note: A 30 minute question and answer session will be conducted at the end of this workshop.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:
- Articulate the clinical conceptualisation of Gaming Disorder
- Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy gaming behaviours
- Familiarise themselves with standardised measures used to assess Gaming Disorder
- Develop an understanding of the value of familial input in the management of Gaming Disorder.
Presenter(s)
Dr. Elwin Hu
About the presenter(s)
Elwin is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive expertise in the intersection of mental health and gaming. Since 2015, he has been actively involved in promoting healthy gaming behaviours by delivering workshops to schools and parents to raise awareness and advocate for responsible gaming behaviours. Elwin holds a doctorate in psychology, with his doctoral research focussing on Gaming Disorder and the psychological mechanisms underlying it. His work delves into critical aspects such as the User-Avatar Bond and other gaming mechanics that contribute to problematic
gaming behaviours.
In his private practice, Elwin employs an integrative therapeutic approach, combining evidence based cognitive behavioural strategies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Intensive Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). He is dedicated to helping clients, including those impacted by Gaming Disorder, achieve their highest potential. Elwin is committed to education and community engagement. He continues to share his expertise through psychoeducational workshops for parents, schools, and professionals, bridging the gap between psychological research and practical application. He currently lectures and provides research supervision at the Cairnmillar Institute.
Notes
Target Audience
Psychologists and other health & educational professionals interested in working with gaming addiction.
Duration of Access
This event will not be recorded.
Please note:
- This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
- A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate and any additional resources shared during the session.
CPD
It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.
The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.
If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.