18/09/2023
There are many misconceptions about video games and the impact they have on mental health.
The truth is that video games have many benefits, including developing complex problem-solving skills and promoting social interaction through online gaming. Video games can be a great way to stimulate your mind and improve your mental health.
Benefits of Video Games-
Playing video games has numerous benefits for your mental health. Video games can help you relieve stress and get your mind going. Some benefits include:
Mental stimulation- Video games often make you think. When you play video games, almost every part of your brain is working to help you achieve higher-level thinking
Feeling accomplished- In the game, you have goals and objectives to reach. Once you achieve them, they bring you a lot of satisfaction, which improves your overall well-being.
Mental health recovery- Regardless of the type, playing games can help with trauma recovery. Video games can act as distractions from pain and psychological trauma. Video games can also help people who are dealing with mental disorders like anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There is mixed evidence on the psychological effects of video games.
moderate use can have emotional, psychological, and social benefits, with games successfully used in treating anxiety and depression.
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 well-being.
In 2020, research conducted by the University of Oxford found that playing video games may improve your mental health and make you happier. Whilst excessive gaming can certainly be harmful, See less