Researchers at the Boston University College of Communication published a study in Frontiers in Communication. They surveyed just under 350 undergraduate and graduate students about gaming habits, reasons for playing, and emotional states before, during and after gaming sessions.
Key findings showed many respondents used video games to cope with stress. About half said they played single-player games to cope, and a similar share named multiplayer games. Turn-based strategy, first-person shooters and role-playing games were the most popular. The study included games played on computers, consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation, and handheld devices like smartphones.
The researchers found clear links between play motives and emotional outcomes. People with stronger immersive tendencies were more likely to use gaming to regulate emotions. Those who played for a game's story, for social interaction, or to escape reported more positive feelings after playing. Players who sought autonomy and exploration reported the largest reductions in negative feelings.
Tiernan Cahill, a PhD candidate in emerging media studies, said gaming is now part of many adults' media habits and connected the findings to earlier research during the COVID-19 pandemic when calming games saw more players. Cahill described games as “ergodic literature” and noted that overcoming in-game challenges can build competence and resilience.
Difficult words
- cope — manage difficult feelings or stressful situations
- immersive — deeply involving or absorbing experience
- regulate — control or adjust a feeling or process
- autonomy — ability to make one's own choices
- resilience — ability to recover from difficulties
- survey — ask many people questions for informationsurveyed
- ergodic literature — interactive texts requiring effort to experience
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever used games to cope with stress? Which games helped you and why?
- Do you prefer single-player or multiplayer games for positive emotions? Give one reason.
- How could playing games help someone build confidence or resilience in real life?
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