Psychologists have something good to say about games
Games may help fulfill basic psychological needs
Now you shall be HEALTHY!
Researchers from the University of Rochester and Immersyve Inc have published a study showing the potential benefits of gaming. The report states that particular games may satisfy certain basic psychological needs.
According to Immersyve:
The study centred on the elements that keep gamers coming back for more. "We think there's a deeper theory than the fun of playing," lead investigator Richard Ryan, a motivational psychologist at Rochester, said. He went on to outline:
The study, published in psychology journal Motivation and Emotion, investigated the motivations of 1,000 gamers. They were split into four groups and asked to play different games. Surveys both before and after playing were used to determine the underlying motives for playing.
The study found that gamers felt most rewarded when the games provided positive challenges relating to their real-world experiences. MMOs, which are often criticised in non-gaming circles as antisocial, were highlighted. The researchers pointed to the sense of community in the games "as an important satisfaction that promotes a sense of presence, game enjoyment and an intention for future play."
Does gaming benefit your psychological well-being? Let SPOnG know in the forum.
Source: HealthDay
According to Immersyve:
Four studies, published this month in the academic journal Motivation and Emotion, show that players are most attracted to games that give them positive experiences that are akin to “real world” challenges, rather than merely a shallow sense of fun. In fact, the research showed that a video game, insofar as it allows one to experience need fulfilment, can even promote short-term well being in some players. Ryan adds, however, that “not all video games are created equal” in this ability to satisfy more basic psychological needs.”
The study centred on the elements that keep gamers coming back for more. "We think there's a deeper theory than the fun of playing," lead investigator Richard Ryan, a motivational psychologist at Rochester, said. He went on to outline:
"It's our contention that the psychological 'pull' of games is largely due to their capacity to engender feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness …[they] also can be experienced as enhancing psychological wellness, at least short-term."
The study, published in psychology journal Motivation and Emotion, investigated the motivations of 1,000 gamers. They were split into four groups and asked to play different games. Surveys both before and after playing were used to determine the underlying motives for playing.
The study found that gamers felt most rewarded when the games provided positive challenges relating to their real-world experiences. MMOs, which are often criticised in non-gaming circles as antisocial, were highlighted. The researchers pointed to the sense of community in the games "as an important satisfaction that promotes a sense of presence, game enjoyment and an intention for future play."
Does gaming benefit your psychological well-being? Let SPOnG know in the forum.
Source: HealthDay
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Comments
Joji 17 Jan 2007 15:36
1/2
Seems to be for every positive aspect of gaming there's another negative. Kind of makes me wonder why then the euro official etc always highlight the negative of games and none of the positive.
Things like games bring a lot of money into the u.k and europe, but this is often forgotten as suits line their pockets and the frown upon the games tha made that money. What goes through the mind of those that make laws and judge us, when Wii and DS sell loads?
I think all genres of games offer something to players, but this is good news anyways.
Things like games bring a lot of money into the u.k and europe, but this is often forgotten as suits line their pockets and the frown upon the games tha made that money. What goes through the mind of those that make laws and judge us, when Wii and DS sell loads?
I think all genres of games offer something to players, but this is good news anyways.
ajmetz 18 Jan 2007 03:44
2/2
I got an audio visual rush from Rush 2042 or whatever, on Dreamcast.
I experienced anarchy with Crazy Taxi.
I felt I'd accomplished something when I completed Megaman II.
Kirby's Adventure made me happy.
Zelda felt grand, but I am haunted by not being able to find Ganon in the final dungeon, nor the Map. I have the compass, but that's it. =P
Maybe never completing Zelda has set me back in life...
1,2,3, I gotta believe...ba-dah, ba-dah, ba-dah-dah [Parappa the rapper].
Oh, and Christmas NiGHTs warms my heart. =) And is my regular substitute for an advent calender.
I experienced anarchy with Crazy Taxi.
I felt I'd accomplished something when I completed Megaman II.
Kirby's Adventure made me happy.
Zelda felt grand, but I am haunted by not being able to find Ganon in the final dungeon, nor the Map. I have the compass, but that's it. =P
Maybe never completing Zelda has set me back in life...
1,2,3, I gotta believe...ba-dah, ba-dah, ba-dah-dah [Parappa the rapper].
Oh, and Christmas NiGHTs warms my heart. =) And is my regular substitute for an advent calender.