scholarly journals Time spent playing video games is unlikely to impact well-being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Vuorre ◽  
Niklas Johannes ◽  
Kristoffer Magnusson ◽  
Andrew K Przybylski
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
Industry Data ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Global Game ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Behaviour Data

Video games are a massively popular form of entertainment, socialising, cooperation, and competition. Games’ ubiquity fuels fears that they cause poor mental health, and major health bodies and national governments have made far-reaching policy decisions to address games’ potential risks, despite lacking adequate supporting data. The concern-evidence mismatch underscores that we know too little about games’ impacts on well-being. We addressed this disconnect by linking six weeks of 38,030 players’ objective game-behaviour data, provided by six global game publishers, with three waves of their self-reported well-being that we collected. We found little to no evidence for a causal connection between gameplay and well-being. However, results suggested that motivations play a role in players’ well- being. For good or ill, the average effects of time spent playing video games on players’ well-being are likely very small, and further industry data are required to determine potential risks and supportive factors to health.

Psychological Well-being and Active Ageing: Maintaining Quality of Life in Older Age

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. McFarquhar ◽  
A. Bowling
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
British Sample

Aims:To investigate the relationship between psychological well-being and measures of active ageing in a British sample of older people. Active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security to embrace quality of life as people age.Methods:A national survey of quality of life and psychological well-being including 999 people aged ≥65 years living in private households in Britain commenced in 1999. in the most recent follow up of 2007, 323 survivors aged ≥72 years completed a postal survey regarding their quality of life and specifically the process of active ageing. A subset of 42 participants was also interviewed qualitatively in 2008 about their perceptions of active ageing. Psychological well-being at baseline was measured using the 12 item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) and correlated with measures of active ageing at baseline and in subsequent follow ups. Measures of active ageing included number and frequency of leisure and social activities, physical ability and access to support networks.Results:A significant positive relationship between psychological well being and measures of active ageing was found at baseline (p< 0.05). Measure of active ageing in 2007 were also correlated with psychological well-being at baseline (p< 0.05). Qualitative interviews in 2008 provided additional insights into this relationship.Conclusions:Results suggesting a strong relationship between psychological health and ageing actively. Good psychological health may allow the elderly to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle and reduce isolation and dependence, which in turn may protect against some aspects of poor mental health.

scholarly journals Military spouses with deployed partners are at greater risk of poor perinatal mental health: a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Rose Godier-McBard ◽  
L Ibbitson ◽  
C Hooks ◽  
M Fossey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Military Spouses ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health

BackgroundPoor mental health in the perinatal period is associated with a number of adverse outcomes for the individual and the wider family. The unique circumstances in which military spouses/partners live may leave them particularly vulnerable to developing perinatal mental health (PMH) problems.MethodsA scoping review was carried out to review the literature pertaining to PMH in military spouses/partners using the methodology outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Databases searched included EBSCO, Gale Cengage Academic OneFile, ProQuest and SAGE.ResultsThirteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, all from the USA, which looked a PMH or well-being in military spouses. There was a strong focus on spousal deployment as a risk factor for depressive symptoms and psychological stress during the perinatal period. Other risk factors included a lack of social/emotional support and increased family-related stressors. Interventions for pregnant military spouses included those that help them develop internal coping strategies and external social support.ConclusionsUS literature suggests that military spouses are particularly at risk of PMH problems during deployment of their serving partner and highlights the protective nature of social support during this time. Further consideration needs to be made to apply the findings to UK military spouses/partners due to differences in the structure and nature of the UK and US military and healthcare models. Further UK research is needed, which would provide military and healthcare providers with an understanding of the needs of this population allowing effective planning and strategies to be commissioned and implemented.

Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Hartz Søraker
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design. Design/methodology/approach The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics. Findings Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition. Originality/value The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.

VIDEO GAMES AND THE ELDERLY

1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Goldstein ◽  
Lara Cajko ◽  
Mark Oosterbroek ◽  
Moniek Michielsen ◽  
Oscar Van Houten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Color Word ◽  
Reaction Time Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Word Test ◽  
Stroop Color Word Test

This study examined the effects of playing video games (Super Tetris) on the reaction time, cognitive/perceptual adaptability, and emotional well-being of 22 noninstitutionalized elderly people aged 69 to 90. Volunteers in an elderly community in the Netherlands were randomly assigned to a videogameplaying experimental group or a nonplaying control group. The televisions of the 10 videogame players were provided with Nintendo SuperNes systems. Participants played Super Tetris 5 hours a week for 5 weeks, and maintained a log of their play. Before and after this play period, measures of reaction time (Sternberg Test; Steinberg, 1969), cognitive/perceptual adaptability (Stroop Color Word Test; Stroop, 1935), and emotional well-being (self-report questionnaire) were administered. Playing video games was related to a significant improvement in the Sternberg reaction time task, and to a relative increase in selfreported well-being. On the Stroop Color Word Test, both the experimental and control groups improved significantly, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. The videogame-playing group had faster reaction times and felt a more positive sense of well-being compared to their nonplaying counterparts. Consistent with previous research on video games and the elderly, the present study finds the strongest effects on measures of reaction time, and the weakest effects on cognitive performance measures. Explanations and alternative interpretations of these findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Individual- and Relationship-Level Factors Related to Better Mental Health Outcomes following Child Abuse: Results from a Nationally Representative Canadian Sample

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 776-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracie O. Afifi ◽  
Harriet L. MacMillan ◽  
Tamara Taillieu ◽  
Sarah Turner ◽  
Kristene Cheung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Abuse ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Abuse History ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Nationally Representative

Objective: Child abuse can have devastating mental health consequences. Fortunately, not all individuals exposed to child abuse will suffer from poor mental health. Understanding what factors are related to good mental health following child abuse can provide evidence to inform prevention of impairment. Our objectives were to 1) describe the prevalence of good, moderate, and poor mental health among respondents with and without a child abuse history; 2) examine the relationships between child abuse and good, moderate, and poor mental health outcomes; 3) examine the relationships between individual- and relationship-level factors and better mental health outcomes; and 4) determine if individual- and relationship-level factors moderate the relationship between child abuse and mental health. Method: Data were from the nationally representative 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health ( n = 23,395; household response rate = 79.8%; 18 years and older). Good, moderate, and poor mental health was assessed using current functioning and well-being, past-year mental disorders, and past-year suicidal ideation. Results: Only 56.3% of respondents with a child abuse history report good mental health compared to 72.4% of those without a child abuse history. Individual- and relationship-level factors associated with better mental health included higher education and income, physical activity, good coping skills to handle problems and daily demands, and supportive relationships that foster attachment, guidance, reliable alliance, social integration, and reassurance of worth. Conclusions: This study identifies several individual- and relationship-level factors that could be targeted for intervention strategies aimed at improving mental health outcomes following child abuse.

Improvement in Cognitive Abilities, Mental and Emotional Well-being of Teenagers following a Meditation Retreat: An Open-Trial pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Kanchibhotla ◽  
Saumya Subramanian ◽  
Shashank Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Meditation Retreat ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Background: Today’s teenagers face several challenges that result in poor mental health, depression and anxiety. Several studies in the past decade have explored meditation as an adjunctive therapy for mental illness however the long term residual benefits of meditation have rarely been studied. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the benefits of a four day meditation retreat on cognitive abilities, mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. Methods: 303 teenagers participated in this study. Cognitive abilities of the students were measured using theSix letter cancellation test (SLCT). Mental and emotional well-being was measured using World Health Organization Well-being index (WHO-5) and Strength and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) respectively. Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Teenagers demonstrated a 33% increase in average accuracy for SLCT post intervention. WHO-5 mental well-being index scores also increased significantly (p <1). The participants experienced significant reduction in emotional problems and hyperactivity as measured by SDQ. The benefits of the retreat continued to persist, when measured after 40 days of the intervention. Conclusion: A well-structured meditation retreat has significant and long term benefits on teenagers’ mental well-being, emotional stability and cognitive capacity.

China-EU academic links will face closer scrutiny

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Research Output ◽  
Research Institutions ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
National Governments

Significance European academic and research institutions have built increasingly close links with China over the past two decades. By doing so they have increased their incomes and research output, and reduced their costs. Benefits have been emphasised and the potential risks downplayed, both at the institutional and government levels. Impacts National governments will face calls to compensate for the reduction in funding and fees from China. European independent research on China will grow increasingly difficult. Researchers and institutions must prepare for potential Chinese sanctions in the future.

scholarly journals Parasites of Zoonotic Interest Detected in Felis catus domesticus in Midwestern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
Stephanie Ballatore Holland Lins ◽  
Maria Elizabeth Cavalheiros Dorval ◽  
Elenir Rose Jardim Cury Pontes ◽  
Ana Paula Antunes Nogueira ◽  
Eduardo de Castro Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus ◽  
Parasitic Species ◽  
Dipylidium Caninum ◽  
Parasitic Zoonoses ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

Interactions between humans and animals can be considerably beneficial to human well-being, and the demand for domestic cats as pets has increased in recent years. Despite these benefits, however, cats may  contribute to environmental dissemination of zoonotic pathogens, with potential risks to human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and diversity of feline parasites of zoonotic interest in Campo Grande, the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwestern Brazil, where studies on feline parasitic fauna remain scarce. Fecal samples from 210 male and female cats of varying ages, sheltered at the local Center for Zoonosis Control, were examined. Spontaneous and ether centrifugal sedimentation were used to detect the parasites, found in 149 animals (71.0%), 93 (62.4%) of which were infected with a single parasitic species and 56 (37.6%) with two or more species. Ten parasitic species were detected, where Ancylostoma sp. was the most frequent (65.2%), followed by Platynosomum concinnum (21.0%), Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (1.9%), Strongyloides sp. (1.9%), Dipylidium caninum (1.4%), Giardia sp. (1.0%), Toxocara sp. (1.0%), Physaloptera praeputialis (1.0%), and Sarcocystis sp. (0.5%). The results obtained are relevant to human and veterinary public health policies and demonstrate the cats’ role in the transmission chain of parasitic zoonoses, particularly in urban areas. The findings can also serve to raise awareness among veterinarians and cat owners on the importance of preventive interventions to ensure healthier cohabitation with pets by reducing human exposure to cat borne parasites in urban areas.   Keywords: Zoonoses. Felines. Helminths. Protozoa. One Health. Resumo As interações entre humanos e animais podem ser consideravelmente benéficas para o bem-estar humano, e a demanda por gatos domésticos como animais de estimação aumentou nos últimos anos. Apesar desses benefícios, no entanto, os gatos podem contribuir para a disseminação ambiental de patógenos zoonóticos, com riscos potenciais para a saúde humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência e diversidade de parasitos de interesse zoonótico em felinos de Campo Grande, capital do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, no Centro-Oeste do Brasil, onde estudos sobre a fauna parasitária felina permanecem escassos. Foram examinadas amostras fecais de 210 gatos machos e fêmeas de idades variadas, abrigados no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses local. Sedimentação espontânea e sedimentação por centrifugação em éter foram utilizadas para detectar os parasitos, encontrados em 149 animais (71,0%), 93 (62,4%) dos quais foram infectados com uma única espécie parasitária e 56 (37,6%) com duas ou mais espécies. Foram detectadas dez espécies parasitárias, sendo Ancylostoma sp. o mais frequente (65,2%), seguido por Platynosomum concinnum (21,0%), Cystoisospora sp. (7,1%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (1,9%), Strongyloides sp. (1,9%), Dipylidium caninum (1,4%), Giardia sp. (1,0%), Toxocara sp. (1,0%), Physaloptera praeputialis (1,0%) e Sarcocystis sp. (0,5%). Os resultados obtidos são relevantes para as políticas de saúde pública humana e veterinária e demonstram o papel dos gatos na cadeia de transmissão das zoonoses parasitárias, principalmente nas áreas urbanas. As descobertas também podem servir para conscientizar os veterinários e donos de gatos da importância de intervenções preventivas para garantir uma coabitação mais saudável com animais de estimação, reduzindo a exposição humana a parasitos transmitidos por gatos em áreas urbanas.   Palavras-chave:  Zoonoses. Felinos. Helmintos. Protozoários. Saúde Única.

scholarly journals Shame Mediates the Relationship Between Pain Invalidation and Depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon L. Boring ◽  
Kaitlyn T. Walsh ◽  
Namrata Nanavaty ◽  
Vani A. Mathur
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Internalized Shame ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The experience of pain is subjective, yet many people have their pain invalidated or not believed. Pain invalidation is associated with poor mental health, including depression and lower well-being. Qualitative investigations of invalidating experiences identify themes of depression, but also social withdrawal, self-criticism, and lower self-worth, all of which are core components of shame. Despite this, no studies have quantitatively assessed the interrelationship between pain invalidation, shame, and depression. To explore this relationship, participants recounted the frequency of experienced pain invalidation from family, friends, and medical professionals, as well as their feelings of internalized shame and depressive symptoms. As shame has been shown to be a precursor for depression, we further explored the role of shame as a mediator between pain invalidation and depressive symptoms. All sources of pain invalidation were positively associated with shame and depressive symptoms, and shame fully mediated the relationship between each source of pain invalidation and depression. Relative to other sources, pain invalidation from family was most closely tied to shame and depression. Overall, findings indicate that one mechanism by which pain invalidation may facilitate depression is via the experience of shame. Future research may explore shame as a potential upstream precursor to depression in the context of pain. Findings provide more insight into the harmful influence of pain invalidation on mental health and highlight the impact of interpersonal treatment on the experiences of people in pain.

scholarly journals MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS: A REVIEW

2021 ◽  
pp. 45-48
Author(s):  
DIPALI P SHELKE ◽  
VIJAYENDRA SWAMY SM
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Industrialized Nations ◽  
The World ◽  
Diabetic Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Fourth leading causes of death in the most advanced countries and there, in other emerging and recently industrialized nations, still controlled the epidemic. Inadequate control of blood sugar has significant consequences for well-being. Ayurveda and other Indian writing referenced the utilized of plants in the treatment of different diseases. Medicinal plant with antidiabetic potential has been recent area of research. The efficiency of these medicinal plants may regulate the diabetic metabolic abnormalities. This work would help researchers to choose potential herbal for diabetic treatment.

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