A data-driven approach for examining the demand for relaxation games on Steam during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major source of stress for a majority of people that might have negative long-term effects on mental health and well-being. In recent years, video games and their potential positive effects on stress relief have been researched and “relaxation” has been an important keyword in marketing a certain kind of video game. In a quasi-experimental design, this study investigated the increase of average daily player peak (ADPPs) for the COVID period compared to the pre-COVID period and if this increase was significantly larger for relaxing games in contrast to non-relaxing games. Results showed a medium-sized increase of ADPPs over all types of games but no difference between relaxing games and non-relaxing games. These results are discussed in regards to their potential of presenting gaps between the current theoretical models of the influence of video games on mental health and actual observed player behaviour.

Download Full-text

Single and Multiplayer Video Gamers: Looking at Their Experiences and Psychosocial Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Psychological Studies ◽

10.5539/ijps.v13n4p51 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 51

Author(s):

Nathan N. Su

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Video Games ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Real Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Relaxation Stress ◽

Video Gamers ◽

Multiplayer Video Games

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in many different ways. One significant impact on daily life was the increased indoor time due to quarantine measures. Data collected suggests video games have become more popular than ever during these unprecedented times (Epstein, 2020). This study aims to explore the experiences and psychosocial well-being of individuals who played single and multiplayer video games during the pandemic. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to multiple online communities and forums from June 28th to July 29th, 2021. The total collected responses were n=260. 132 participants identified themselves as playing mostly single-player video games and 128 identified themselves as playing mostly multiplayer games. The results show during the pandemic individuals spent more time playing both types of video games. Motivations for playing single-player games trended towards decreasing anxiety and stress, and avoiding real life, whereas multiplayer motivations tended to trend towards socialization rather than decreasing stress or anxiety. During the pandemic, 40-50% of single and multiplayer gamers indicated decreased mental health. However, both types of players reported improvement in mental and social well-being while playing video games. More multiplayer gamers reported improved social well-being while playing compared to single-player gamers. The survey respondents tended to report having more positive experiences with single-player and multiplayer video games during the pandemic. Results presented video games as a way for individuals to socialize or decrease stress and anxiety. In addition, the comparison between the two types of gamers revealed that single-player respondents tended to play for relaxation, stress reduction, and perhaps improvement in mental health, while multiplayer gamers play to increase social interaction and improve social well-being. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of video games during the pandemic after everyone has returned to a pre-pandemic state.

Download Full-text

Sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on mental health and well-being in healthy ceremony attendants: A replication study

Journal of Psychedelic Studies ◽

10.1556/2054.2021.00174 ◽

2021 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kim I. van Oorsouw ◽

Malin V. Uthaug ◽

Natasha L. Mason ◽

Nick J. Broers ◽

Johannes G. Ramaekers

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Well Being ◽

Altered States Of Consciousness ◽

Altered States ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

States Of Consciousness ◽

First Time ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background and aims There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the psychedelic plant tea, ayahuasca, holds therapeutic potential. Uthaug et al. (2018) demonstrated that a single dose of ayahuasca improved mental health sub-acutely and 4-weeks post-ceremony in healthy participants. The present study aimed to replicate and extend these findings. A first objective was to assess the sub-acute and long-term effects of ayahuasca on mental health and well-being in first-time and experienced users. A second aim was to extend the assessment of altered states of consciousness and how they relate to changes in mental health. Method Ayahuasca ceremony attendants (N = 73) were assessed before, the day after, and four weeks following the ceremony. Results We replicated the reduction in self-reported stress 4-weeks post ceremony, but, in contrast, found no reduction in depression. Also, increased satisfaction with life and awareness the day after the ceremony, and its return to baseline 4 weeks later, were replicated. New findings were: reduced ratings of anxiety and somatization, and increased levels of non-judging 4-weeks post-ceremony. We replicated the relation between altered states of consciousness (e.g., experienced ego dissolution during the ceremony) and mental health outcomes sub-acutely. The effects of ayahuasca did not differ between experienced and first-time users. Conclusion Partly in line with previous findings, ayahuasca produces long-term improvements in affect in non-clinical users. Furthermore, sub-acute mental health ratings are related to the intensity of the psychedelic experience. Although findings replicate and highlight the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, this needs to be confirmed in placebo-controlled studies.

Download Full-text

Universal, school-based interventions to promote mental and emotional well-being: what is being done in the UK and does it work? A systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022560 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. e022560 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Karen Mackenzie ◽

Christopher Williams

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Outcome Measure ◽

Well Being ◽

Study Quality ◽

Methodological Issues ◽

Positive Effects ◽

School Based ◽

School Based Interventions ◽

The Uk

ObjectivesThe present review aimed to assess the quality, content and evidence of efficacy of universally delivered (to all pupils aged 5–16 years), school-based, mental health interventions designed to promote mental health/well-being and resilience, using a validated outcome measure and provided within the UK in order to inform UK schools-based well-being implementation.DesignA systematic review of published literature set within UK mainstream school settings.Data sourcesEmbase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsychArticles, ASSIA and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences published between 2000 and April 2016.Eligibility criteriaPublished in English; universal interventions that aimed to improve mental health/emotional well-being in a mainstream school environment; school pupils were the direct recipients of the intervention; pre-post design utilised allowing comparison using a validated outcome measure.Data extraction and synthesis12 studies were identified including RCTs and non-controlled pre-post designs (5 primary school based, 7 secondary school based). A narrative synthesis was applied with study quality check.1ResultsEffectiveness of school-based universal interventions was found to be neutral or small with more positive effects found for poorer quality studies and those based in primary schools (pupils aged 9–12 years). Studies varied widely in their use of measures and study design. Only four studies were rated ‘excellent’ quality. Methodological issues such as small sample size, varying course fidelity and lack of randomisation reduced overall study quality. Where there were several positive outcomes, effect sizes were small, and methodological issues rendered many results to be interpreted with caution. Overall, results suggested a trend whereby higher quality studies reported less positive effects. The only study that conducted a health economic analysis suggested the intervention was not cost-effective.ConclusionsThe current evidence suggests there are neutral to small effects of universal, school-based interventions in the UK that aim to promote emotional or mental well-being or the prevention of mental health difficulties. Robust, long-term methodologies need to be pursued ensuring adequate recording of fidelity, the use of validated measures sensitive to mechanisms of change, reporting of those lost to follow-up and any adverse effects. Further high-quality and large-scale research is required across the UK in order to robustly test any long-term benefits for pupils or on the wider educational or health system.

Download Full-text

Development of a casual video game (Match Emoji) with psychological well-being concepts for young adolescents

Digital Health ◽

10.1177/20552076211047802 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 205520762110478

Author(s):

Russell Pine ◽

Lisa Te Morenga ◽

Mitch Olson ◽

Theresa Fleming

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Well Being ◽

Learning Theories ◽

Implicit Processes ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Game Developers

Digital interventions for mental health and well-being have been shown to be effective in trials, yet uptake and retention in real-world settings are often disappointing. A more significant impact may be achieved by building interventions that are closer to how target groups use technology to support their own psychological well-being. Casual video games may be poised to offer an opportunity in this area as they are a highly popular activity among young people. We propose that mental health content can be integrated into the explicit content and the implicit processes used in casual video games. In this paper, we describe the design and core processes of Match Emoji, a casual video game designed to support the development of psychological well-being via gameplay and micro-messages. The iterative development of Match Emoji involved various phases, including a systematic review of the literature, consultation with target users, clinicians, game developers, and close reading of the literature. Expert collaboration was sought throughout the process to ensure gameplay and messages matched behaviour change and learning theories. An acceptability and feasibility study of Match Emoji will inform a randomised controlled trial in the future.

Download Full-text

Do Start-Up Subsidies for the Unemployed Affect Participants’ Well-Being? A Rigorous Look at (Un-)Intended Consequences of Labor Market Policies

Evaluation Review ◽

10.1177/0193841x20927237 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 0193841X2092723

Author(s):

Marco Caliendo ◽

Stefan Tübbicke

Keyword(s):

Social Security ◽

Well Being ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Start Up ◽

The Unemployed

Background: The literature on start-up subsidies (SUS) for the unemployed finds positive effects on objective outcome measures such as employment or income. However, little is known about effects on subjective well-being of participants. Knowledge about this is especially important because subsidizing the transition into self-employment may have unintended adverse effects on participants’ well-being due to its risky nature and lower social security protection, especially in the long run. Objective: We study the long-term effects of SUS on subjective outcome indicators of well-being, as measured by the participants’ satisfaction in different domains. This extends previous analyses of the current German SUS program (“Gründungszuschuss”) that focused on objective outcomes—such as employment and income—and allows us to make a more complete judgment about the overall effects of SUS at the individual level. Research design: Having access to linked administrative-survey data providing us with rich information on pretreatment characteristics, we base our analysis on the conditional independence assumption and use propensity score matching to estimate causal effects within the potential outcomes framework. We perform several sensitivity analyses to inspect the robustness of our findings. Results: We find long-term positive effects on job satisfaction but negative effects on individuals’ satisfaction with their social security situation. Supplementary findings suggest that the negative effect on satisfaction with social security may be driven by negative effects on unemployment and retirement insurance coverage. Our heterogeneity analysis reveals substantial variation in effects across gender, age groups, and skill levels. Estimates are highly robust.

Download Full-text

Impacts of international labor migration on the mental health and well-being of left-behind children

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.691 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

K Antia ◽

J Boucsein ◽

A Deckert ◽

P Dambach ◽

J Racaite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Labor Migration ◽

Well Being ◽

Family Characteristics ◽

Transnational Families ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Left Behind ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Labor migration is a challenge for the globalised world due to its long-term effects such as the formation of transnational families with the particularly vulnerable groups of left-behind children (LBC). These families, where family members of migrant workers are 'left-behind' are becoming common practice in many developing countries. In this systematic literature review, we aimed to investigate the impacts of parental labor migration on the mental health and well-being of their LBC. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic literature search in English using PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar for studies, investigating mental health and well-being among LBC who live in transnational families. Case-reports, qualitative studies as well as opinion papers were excluded. We summarized the evidence and additionally compared quantitative results. Results 25 studies were selected for the final analysis. We found that mental health and well-being outcomes of LBC differ across regions and sometimes even within regions. Only studies conducted in South America and South Asia observed purely negative effects. Overall, LBC show abnormal SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) scores and report higher levels of depression and loneliness, than children who do not live in transnational families. Evidence suggests that gender of migrant parent, culture and other transnational family characteristics such as family arrangement, the role of the mother and the role of the father contribute to the well-being and psychological health of LBC. Conclusions International migration of parents has more negative than positive effects (e.g. through remittances) on the mental health and well-being of LBC. However, the effects strongly depend on family arrangements and care giving practices in migrants' sending countries. Key messages Further research utilizing longitudinal data is needed to better explore the complex and long-term effects of parental migration on LBC. Multidimensional family characteristics are crucial and should be better explored when examining the impacts of migratory separation on left-behind children.

Download Full-text

Transient and Long-Term Improvements in Cognitive Processes following Video Games: An Italian Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010078 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 78

Author(s):

Rosa Angela Fabio ◽

Massimo Ingrassia ◽

Marco Massa

Keyword(s):

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Flow Theory ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Short Term ◽

The Third ◽

Video Gamers ◽

Term Performance

The aim of the present study is to compare the short- and long-term effects of video-gaming by using the same measurements. More precisely, habitual and occasional video-gamers were compared so as to analyze the long-term effects. An ABABABA design was used to analyze the short-term effects. The first A refers to baseline measurements: Visual RT, Auditory RT, Aim trainer RT, Go/No-Go RT and N-Back RT. The first B refers to 30 min of gaming, the second A refers to the measurements used in the baseline, the second B refers to 60 min of a video game, the third A refers to the same measurements used in the baseline, the third B refers to a 30-min rest, and finally, the fourth A refers to the measurements used in the baseline. Seventy participants, twenty-nine habitual video-gamers and forty-one occasional video-gamers, participated in the study. The results showed a temporary improvement of cognitive functions (Visual RT, Auditory RT, Aim trainer RT, Go/No-Go RT and N-Back RT) in the short term and a strong enhancement of cognitive functions in the long term. The results are discussed in light of Flow Theory and the automatization process. Contribution of the study: The contribution of this research is to highlight that despite there being a transient enhancement of executive and cognitive functions through the use of mobile video games in the short-term period, with a decrease of performance after a 30-min rest, there is a strong increase of cognitive performance in the long-term period. Flow Theory and the automatization process together can explain this apparent inconsistency between the positive increase of long-term performance and the transient increase of short-term performance. One limitation of the present research is that it is not possible to distinguish whether the long-term enhancements can be attributed either to continued practice in the use of video games compared to non-gamers, or to the possibility that gamers are already predisposed to video game playing. Future research should address this issue.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 as ‘Game Changer’ for the Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being of Augmented Reality Game Players During the Pandemic: Mixed Methods Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25117 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Louise A Ellis ◽

Matthew D Lee ◽

Kiran Ijaz ◽

James Smith ◽

Jeffrey Braithwaite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Well Being ◽

Harry Potter ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Pokémon Go ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

BACKGROUND Location-based augmented reality (AR) games, such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, have been shown to have a beneficial impact on the physical activity, social connectedness, and mental health of their players. In March 2020, global social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the AR games developer Niantic Inc to implement several changes to ensure continued player engagement with Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. We sought to examine how the physical and mental well-being of players of these games were affected during the unprecedented COVID-19 restriction period as well as how their video game engagement was affected. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the physical and mental well-being of AR game players; to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the use of video games and motivations for their use; and to explore the potential role of AR games (and video games in general) in supporting well-being during COVID-19–related social restrictions. METHODS A mixed methods web-based self-reported survey was conducted in May 2020, during which COVID-19–related social restrictions were enforced in many countries. Participants were recruited on the web via four subreddits dedicated to Pokémon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Data collected included quantitative data on demographics, time spent playing video games, physical activity, and mental health; qualitative data included motivations to play and the impact of video games on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. RESULTS We report results for 2004 participants (1153/1960 male, 58.8%, average age 30.5 years). Self-reported physical activity during COVID-19–related social restrictions significantly decreased from 7.50 hours per week on average (SD 11.12) to 6.50 hours (SD 7.81) (<i>P</i><.001). More than half of the participants reported poor mental health (925/1766, 52.4%; raw World Health Organization–5 Well-Being Index score <13). Female gender, younger age, and reduced exercise were significant predictors of poor mental health. Participants reported a significant increase in video game play time from 16.38 hours per week on average (SD 19.12) to 20.82 hours (SD 17.49) (<i>P</i><.001). Approximately three quarters of the participants (n=1102/1427, 77.2%) reported that playing video games had been beneficial to their mental health. The changes made to Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite were very well received by players, and the players continued to use these games while exercising and to maintain social connection. In addition to seeking an escape during the pandemic and as a form of entertainment, participants reported that they used video games for emotional coping and to lower stress, relax, and alleviate mental health conditions. CONCLUSIONS AR games have the potential to promote physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Used by populations under isolation and distress, these games can improve physical and mental health by providing virtual socialization, sustained exercise, temporal routine, and mental structure. Further research is needed to explore the potential of AR games as digital behavioral interventions to maintain human well-being in the wider population.

Download Full-text

Stop or Go? Playing Violent Games Reduces Inhibitory Control in Adolescents

10.31234/osf.io/2anrt ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ewa Miedzobrodzka ◽

Frederick Waiyaki ◽

Jacek Buczny ◽

Elly Konijn

Keyword(s):

Video Games ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Video Game ◽

Stop Signal Task ◽

Control Mechanisms ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Violent Video Games ◽

Violent Video Game ◽

Control Study

Despite growing body of research on video games effect on enhanced cognitive functioning, a relationship between violent video game exposure (VVGE) and inhibitory control is still poorly understood. Investigating inhibitory control mechanisms in relation to VVGE may help to better explain processes underlying aggression. This holds especially for adolescent players, who often play M-rated violent video games, and whose ability to inhibit responses is still developing. In two studies performed in adolescent samples we examined how habitual VVGE may be related to inhibitory control (Study 1; N = 151) and whether inhibitory control can be affected by 30-minute violent video gameplay (Study 2; N = 63). Inhibitory control in both studies was measured with well-validated Stop-Signal Task. Results of the Study 1 showed that VVGE was related lower inhibitory control. Results of the experimental Study 2 supported a causal relationship: participants who played a violent video game showed reduced inhibitory control compared to those who played a non-violent game. Our findings bring new theoretical and empirical insights into violent video games research and highlight the importance of studying inhibitory control as a possible mechanism underlying aggression in adolescents. Based on the current correlational and experimental evidence, future studies should also investigate long-term effects on VVGE on development of inhibitory control in adolescents.

Download Full-text

When and How Video Games Can Be Good: A Review of the Positive Effects of Video Games on Well-Being

Perspectives on Psychological Science ◽

10.1177/1745691619863807 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 1096-1104 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yemaya J. Halbrook ◽

Aisling T. O’Donnell ◽

Rachel M. Msetfi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Social Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Game Play ◽

Violent Video Games ◽

Positive Effects ◽

The Relationship ◽

Wide Population

Video games are a source of entertainment for a wide population and have varied effects on well-being. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively examine game-play research to identify the factors that contribute to these disparate well-being outcomes and to highlight the potential positive effects. On the basis of existing literature, we argue that the effects of gaming on well-being are moderated by other variables, such as motivations for gaming and video-game characteristics. Specifically, the inclusion of social activity can benefit prosocial behaviors and affect the relationship between violent video games and aggression that some studies have demonstrated. Moreover, the research on the relationship between violent video games and aggression depends greatly on individual and sociocontextual variables outside of game play. The inclusion of physical activity in games can provide an improvement in physical health with high levels of enjoyment, potentially increasing adherence rates. Overall, following our review, we determined that the effects of gaming on well-being are moderated by and depend on the motivation for gaming, outside variables, the presence of violence, social interaction, and physical activity. Thus, we argue that there is potential for an “optimal gaming profile” that can be used in the future for both academic- and industry-related research.

Download Full-text