Video games provide a world of fantasy and adventure, while they can also serve as an important lifeline for people living with disabilities.
Studies have revealed that excessive gaming can lead to issues in relationships, work and health; yet gaming may also improve psychological wellbeing. This article will investigate both positive and negative influences of online gaming on mental wellbeing.
Sense of Community
Though many gamers may feel alone and isolated online gaming communities provide support and emotional intimacy while offering ways to develop coping skills and resilience.
Researchers have established in https://147.139.208.236/download/ that friendships forged in-game are as strong or stronger than those established outside of gaming, and video games have even been linked with increased gray matter volume and improved mental health in players.
Gaming can be an enjoyable form of relaxation, but should be practiced within reason to prevent its adverse side-effects such as sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disorders and depression. Furthermore, gaming may desensitize people to violence which may lead them to commit acts in real life. When used responsibly though it can become an invaluable way of building connections and supporting mental wellbeing; especially beneficial for disabled individuals who can find solace and support online spaces.
Boosts Self-Esteem
Though the gaming community https://147.139.135.115/ has made strides to address mental health issues since Byron “Reckful” Bernstein’s tragic suicide, many gamers still experience anxiety and stress that negatively impacts both personal and professional lives.
Gaming online provides an excellent opportunity to overcome these difficulties and build a sense of self-worth. Gamers can connect with fellow players by participating in social activities designed to support positive mental health outcomes.
Gamers can meet their need for relatedness by building social relationships with other players and virtual characters similar to what they experience in real life, while satisfying their need for competence by taking on challenging video games that give a sense of achievement when overcome obstacles. One study concluded that these experiences give gamers similar satisfaction as having meaningful relationships in real life.
Levels the Playing Field
Online video games provide an accessible environment where individuals of all abilities can engage on equal terms – this can be particularly powerful for people living with disabilities who often find everyday challenges challenging and need an escape from reality. Video games even the playing field by encouraging connections, offering support, and offering respite from everyday struggles.
Research indicates that gaming can fulfill psychological needs such as (i) relatedness through providing social relationships and (iii) autonomy through giving control over one’s game-play. Furthermore, it can fulfill needs such as competence by helping individuals become successful at gaming.
Though online gaming may bring many positive benefits, it may also trigger feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. That is why programs like Presence of Mind by Kaiser Permanente and professional esports organization Cloud9 aim to raise mental health awareness within gaming communities – providing a safe space for discussion about these topics while simultaneously decreasing stigma and building resilience among gamers.
Increases Social Interaction
Video games have been around for over 30 years, but researchers are only just now starting to investigate their impact on mental health. Although gamers are sometimes seen as socially isolated individuals, research suggests otherwise: playing can provide social interaction and support to maintain good mental wellbeing.
Gaming’s social aspect can be particularly helpful to people living with disabilities. Their unique limitations often prevent them from socializing effectively with peers; online gaming provides a suitable environment in which they can reach out and create relationships and form meaningful communities.
People with disabilities credit video games with helping to build creativity and hone problem-solving abilities. Some have even formed friendships similar to real life relationships through video gaming. Furthermore, one study demonstrated that adolescents fulfilling their personal and social responsibilities have less of an addiction to online gaming; suggesting telehealth counseling services might offer additional opportunities for people with disabilities to interact with each other while improving mental health.
