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The elements of gaming associated with mental well-being

Kienhuis, C. (2022) The elements of gaming associated with mental well-being.

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Abstract:Prior research has suggested that gaming can have positive effects on the mental well-being of players. In light of this, the current study attempted to identify which parts within gaming contribute to these effects. A qualitative survey helped identify which games score highly on intrinsic need satisfaction. Afterwards, a diary study was conducted to identify which elements within gaming are relevant to mental well-being. Identified themes related to well-being according to the PERMA model contained elements related to either game design or personal attitude and pointed towards enjoyment and connection with the game. Relevance of the found elements were explained through feelings of flow, intrinsic needs of SDT, and the PERMA model. The element of deliberate play was discovered to be of influence over the entire experience, as players became more reflective, changed attitudes on gaming, and reported higher senses of mental well-being due to the different mindset they had during the play sessions. Recommendations were made to look for optimal combinations to potentially create guidelines for players and designers to optimize play experiences. Other insights that merit future research are about differences in affect based on players’ perspective on games, on top of researching parasocial relationships with game characters.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies, 70 social sciences in general, 76 recreation, leisure, 77 psychology
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92638
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