Abstract.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, affecting up to 13% of the population (Ruscio et al., 2007). Sixty-three percent of U.S. households include at least one frequent gamer (Entertainment Software Association, 2015). Trauma is an issue impacting people across groups and time. Trauma experienced as a child can affect how an individual or a community functions socially as the victims of trauma develop through life. Trauma can affect individuals, families, groups, communities, specific cultures, and generations. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being (Felitti et al., 1998). Ways in which people cope with trauma and social anxiety vary. Within the millennial generation, individuals within a specific group tend to use fighting games as a coping mechanism for trauma and/or social anxiety (Kron, Gjerde, Sen, & Fetters, 2010).