Beyond the beat-em-up: video games are good for young people

Young and Well Update - 12th September 2013

Now, there’s an emerging body of research focusing on the potential positive influences of video games.

Associate Professor Jane Burns and researchers Daniel Johnson (Queensland University of Technology) and Christian Jones (University of the SunshineCoast) From the "The Young and Well CRC" team, wrote on videogames and wellbeing for "The Conversation"

Here are some key findings:

• moderate (non-excessive) levels of playing are associated with positive emotions and improved mood, improved emotion regulation and emotional stability and the reduction of emotional disturbances;
• playing video games is a healthy means of relaxation, stress reduction and socialising; and
• people who play video games in moderation have significantly less depressed mood and higher self-esteem (compared to those who don’t play or who play excessively).