Video Games: Good for Your Head (!)

Researchers surveyed 1,000 video game players and found something interesting: sitting in front of a screen may actually be good for them. "It’s our contention that the psychological ‘pull’ of games is largely due to their capacity to engender feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness," [a researcher said]. He believes that video games not only […]

Researchers surveyed 1,000 video game players and found something interesting: sitting in front of a screen may actually be good for them.

"It's our contention that the psychological 'pull' of games is largely due to their capacity to engender feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness," [a researcher said]. He believes that video games not only motivate further play but "also can be experienced as enhancing psychological wellness, at least short-term."

Here's more:

The researchers found that the games can provide opportunities for achievement, freedom and even a connection to other players. Those benefits trumped a shallow sense of fun, which doesn't keep gamers as interested. Players reported feeling the best when the games produced positive experiences and challenges that connected to what they knew in the real world.

Why video games may be hard to give up [HealthDay]