Investigating psychological disparities across gamers: a genre-based study

Griffith, O. and Sharpe, B. T. (2024) Investigating psychological disparities across gamers: a genre-based study. Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports, 2 (1). pp. 1-9. ISSN 2836-3523

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Abstract

Objective: While video games have become a widespread form of entertainment, the exploration of their relationship with psychological factors remains relatively limited. The primary objective of this study was to investigate potential disparities in levels of everyday stress, perceived stress, and positive mental health among individuals engaged in three distinct video game genres: horror, competitive shooters, and sandbox. We hypothesized that significant differences would emerge between genres. Method: A total of 54 participants were recruited, queried about their primarily favoured video game genre, and then asked to complete an online survey consisting of three questionnaires, each corresponding to one of the dependent variables. Results: Three 1x3 between subjects ANOVA analyses indicated that levels of everyday and perceived stress were notably higher in the competitive shooter gamers, with sandbox gamers having the lowest levels. No significant differences were observed for levels of positive mental health. Conclusion: It is possible that competitive shooters either elevate everyday and perceived stress levels in individuals, or that already-stressed gamers are drawn to this genre. Finally, the absence of significant variations in levels of positive mental health across genres suggests that individuals may simply choose to play whichever game aligns with their personal sources of enjoyment.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © 2024 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Uncontrolled Keywords: horror, competitive shooters, sandbox, everyday stress, perceived-stress, positive-mental-health
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV1199 Games and amusements > GV1469.15 Computer games. Video games. Fantasy games
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Research Entities > POWER Centre
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
Depositing User: Ben Sharpe
Date Deposited: 15 May 2024 08:44
Last Modified: 10 Jun 2024 12:17
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/7479

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