The Griefer Within (page 2 of 2)

The Griefing Mindset

There are numerous potential psychological reasons that someone would assume the role of defiant leader or scapegoat leader. Anyone can assume either of these roles. There can be environmental reasons for adopting griefing behavior; For instance, a gamer who fills the scapegoat role in his family may naturally drift towards the scapegoat role in other groups -- say, an online Halo 2 match.

But it's also possible that a smaller percentage of griefers may have more serious psychological disorders. Keep in mind that a diagnosis of mental illness is made only when a disorder or problem causes significant impairment in functioning. Some of these disorders are common; others, much more rare.

Antisocial personality disorder, aka the psychopath or sociopath: "These are people whose pulse would remain constant if there was a bomb threat," Dr. Liao says. "They lack empathy. It's hard for them to picture how their actions would have consequences. They can be an outwardly charming. They don't obey rules. They are likely to go online to vent frustrations with little regard for how it affects other people. This disorder is not all that common, but a narcissist, a less extreme version, is more common."
Impulse control problems: This dysfunction makes it difficult to resist urges. Dr. Liao says. "They feel a lot of tension leading to a particular action. When they finally fulfill the impulse, they experience a release of tension and a sense of pleasure." An example of an impulse control disorder is intermittent explosive disorder. "People with this disorder may experience rage attacks and could become destructive. In an online game it is hard to read the intention behind various actions which means these people can misinterpret things as attacks upon them and respond angrily."
Depression: "Depression is surprisingly common amongst Americans," Dr. Liao explains. If people are depressed, "they are generally more irritable and isolated, and their frustration threshold is a lot lower." What's more, depressed individuals are more likely to interpret a neutral act as a direct insult to them. They can be quick to misinterpret events and quick to retaliate. Dr. Liao also proposes that by griefing in an online settings, depressed individuals may be trying to goad others into killing them - a sort of "virtual suicide."
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This can be caused by any kind of trauma, but is frequently found in combat veterans. Generally they are hyper vigilant, meaning they are at an elevated level of awareness when it comes to potential threats. Combined with anger issues or impulse control problems, it could lead to griefing behavior.
Psychotic disorders: This less-common dysfunction includeds people with paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. "Psychotic people may experience what is known as 'idea of reference'," Dr. Liao explains. "For example, they are watching the television and think that the people are talking about them." A player with a persecutory delusion could perceive other players as enemies out to get him.
Substance abuse: Those abusing drugs might be more impulsive or disinhibited. Dr. Liao emphasized that it is important not to view griefers as pathological people or simply jerks. She explains that "the people who do it just for kicks, the anti-social people, probably make up a small portion of griefers." Not only are there many reasons someone might choose to grief, but within the framework of group dynamics, someone must always take on the griefing role.
We All Play a Part

Dr. Liao suggests that reacting negatively toward griefers only reinforces their role as scapegoat or defiant leader. "It is possible to de-scapegoat the person by bringing them back into the group, which can change their destructive behavior." Try responding to griefers with compassion -- or at least patience -- and see what happens. You may be surprised.

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