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Id 2467
Author Hazel J.; Kim H.M.; Every-Palmer S.
Title Exploring the possible mental health and wellbeing benefits of video games for adult players: A cross-sectional study
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Hazel J.; Kim H.M.; Every-Palmer S. Exploring the possible mental health and wellbeing benefits of video games for adult players: A cross-sectional study,Australasian Psychiatry 30 4

Keywords Adult; Anxiety; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Video Games; adult; anxiety; Article; behavior; cross-sectional study; depression; female; human; male; mental health; MOBA (game); multiple regression; music; perception; psychometry; role playing; social support; survival bias; video game; wellbeing; work environment; mental disease; mental health; therapy
Link to article https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85130989730&doi=10.1177%2f10398562221103081&partnerID=40&md5=4e78de91ba0f0a3f3ceec92db92d6def
Abstract Objective: There is mixed evidence on the psychological effects of video games. While excessive use can be harmful, moderate use can have emotional, psychological and social benefits, with games successfully used in treating anxiety and depression. More data are required to understand how and for whom these benefits occur. This paper aims to identify correlations between video game genre, player demographics, wellbeing, and the in-play psychological processes for adult players. Method: Adult gamers (n = 2107) completed an anonymous cross-sectional survey canvassing play style, genre, perception of psychological impact and mechanisms (wellbeing, self-determination and flow). A multivariate multiple regression model explored correlations. Results: 88.4% of participants experienced emotional benefits from gaming, with stronger benefits experienced by younger players in all categories. The genres most strongly correlated with psychological benefits were music games, role-playing games and survival horror games. Multiplayer online battle arena games had lower scores for psychological and emotional wellbeing. Conclusions: Certain genres have stronger correlations with beneficial mechanisms, while some may be detrimental to players. These results may guide experimental studies to measure the directionality and strength of these correlations and can also impact practical aspects in development of therapeutic games to treat mental distress. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2022.

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DOI 10.1177/10398562221103081
Search Database Scopus
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