Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Digital Games and Well-Being: An Overview

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Video Games and Well-being

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Cyberpsychology ((PASCY))

Abstract

The public debate about digital games primarily revolves around negative outcomes of digital gaming. This bias leads to a neglect of many of the positive aspects, and in particular, digital games’ contribution to well-being. However, more recently, there is a notable growth in studies interested in such beneficial effects. In this overview article, we will discuss some central research findings on three variants of well-being: hedonic, eudaimonic and social. These concepts refer to positive affective states, the fulfillment of central psychological needs and an appreciation of meaningful experiences, as well as the positive contribution to social interaction and relationships. Research on these three forms has consistently shown that games can be very effective in improving well-being.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 44.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aarseth, E., Bean, A. M., Boonen, H., Colder Carras, M., Coulson, M., Das, D., … Haagsma, M. C. (2017). Scholars’ open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 gaming disorder proposal. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6(3), 267–270.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bai, H., Pan, W., Hirumi, A., & Kebritchi, M. (2012). Assessing the effectiveness of a 3-D instructional game on improving mathematics achievement and motivation of middle school students. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(6), 993–1003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bartsch, A., & Oliver, M. B. (2017). Appreciation of meaningful entertainment experiences and eudaimonic well-being. In L. Reinecke & M. B. Oliver (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of media use and well-being (pp. 80–92). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, N. D. (2016). The rise (and refinement) of moral panic. In R. Kowert & T. Quandt (Eds.), The video game debate: Unraveling the physical, social, and psychological effects of digital games (pp. 22–38). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, N. D., & Tamborini, R. (2012). Task demand and mood repair: The intervention potential of computer games. New Media & Society, 14(8), 1339–1357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, N. D., & Tamborini, R. (2015). “In the mood to game”: Selective exposure and mood management processes in computer game play. New Media & Society, 17(3), 375–393.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, N. D., Oliver, M. B., Rogers, R., Sherrick, B., Woolley, J., & Chung, M. Y. (2016). In control or in their shoes? How character attachment differentially influences video game enjoyment and appreciation. Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds, 8(1), 83–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bryant, J., & Zillmann, D. (1984). Using television to alleviate boredom and stress: Selective exposure as a function of induced excitational states. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 28(1), 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colder Carras, M., Kalbarczyk, A., Wells, K., Banks, J., Kowert, R., Gillespie, C., & Latkin, C. (2018). Connection, meaning, and distraction: A qualitative study of video game play and mental health recovery in veterans treated for mental and/or behavioral health problems. Social Science & Medicine, 216, 124–132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Csikszentmihályi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper.

    Google Scholar 

  • Custers, A. F., Westerhof, G. J., Kuin, Y., & Riksen-Walraven, M. (2010). Need fulfillment in caring relationships: Its relation with well-being of residents in somatic nursing homes. Aging & Mental Health, 14(6), 731–739.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dalisay, F., Kushin, M. J., Yamamoto, M., Liu, Y.-I., & Skalski, P. (2015). Motivations for game play and the social capital and civic potential of video games. New Media & Society, 17(9), 1399–1417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeShazo, J., Harris, L., & Pratt, W. (2010). Effective intervention or child’s play? A review of video games for diabetes education. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 12(10), 815–822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Domahidi, E., Breuer, J., Kowert, R., Festl, R., & Quandt, T. (2018). A longitudinal analysis of gaming-and non-gaming-related friendships and social support among social online game players. Media Psychology, 21(2), 288–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Domahidi, E., Festl, R., & Quandt, T. (2014). To dwell among gamers: Investigating the relationship between social online game use and gaming-related friendships. Computers in Human Behavior, 35, 107–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drummond, A., Sauer, J. D., & Garea, S. S. (2018). The infamous relationship between violent video game use and aggression: Uncharted moderators and small effects make it a far cry from certain. In C. Ferguson (Ed.), Video game influences on aggression, cognition, and attention (pp. 23–40). Cham: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, J. (1990). Computer games and aggressive behavior: A review of the literature. Educational Technology, 30(2), 37–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Entertainment Software Association (ESA). (2018). Sales, demographic and usage data: Essential facts about the computer and video game industry. Available at https://www.theesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ESA_EssentialFacts_2018.pdf. Accessed June 15, 2019.

  • Ghuman, D., & Griffiths, M. (2012). A cross-genre study of online gaming: Player demographics, motivation for play, and social interactions among players. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning, 2(1), 13–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, M. D. (2019). The therapeutic and health benefits of playing videogames. In A. Attrill-Smith, C. Fullwood, M. Keep, & D. J. Kuss (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of cyberpsychology (pp. 485–505). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwinup, G., Haw, T., & Elias, A. (1983). Cardiovascular changes in video-game players: Cause for concern? Postgraduate Medicine, 74(6), 245–248.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. B., & Williams, R. (1985). Video games and school performance. Education, 105(3), 306–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hastall, M. R. (2017). Escapism. In P. Rössler (Ed.), The international encyclopedia of media effects (pp. 524–532). New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hellström, C., Nilsson, K. W., Leppert, J., & Åslund, C. (2012). Influences of motives to play and time spent gaming on the negative consequences of adolescent online computer gaming. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(4), 1379–1387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huta, V. (2017). An overview of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being concepts. In L. Reinecke & M. B. Oliver (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of media use and well-being (pp. 14–33). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahneman, D., Diener, E., & Schwarz, N. (Eds.). (1999). Well-being: Foundations of hedonic psychology. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katz, E., & Foulkes, D. (1962). On the use of the mass media as “escape”: Clarification of a concept. Public Opinion Quarterly, 26(3), 377–388.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaye, L. K., Kowert, R., & Quinn, S. (2017). The role of social identity and online social capital on psychosocial outcomes in MMO players. Computers in Human Behavior, 74, 215–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Király, O., & Demetrovics, Z. (2017). Inclusion of gaming disorder in ICD has more advantages than disadvantages: Commentary on: Scholars’ open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 gaming disorder proposal (Aarseth et al.). Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 6(3), 280–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klimmt, C. (2017). Self-efficacy: Mediated experiences and expectations of making a difference. In L. Reinecke & M. B. Oliver (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of media use and well-being (pp. 157–169). New York, NY: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klimmt, C., Hartmann, T., & Frey, A. (2007). Effectance and control as determinants of video game enjoyment. Cyberpsychology & Behavior, 10(6), 845–848.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knobloch, S., & Zillmann, D. (2002). Mood management via the digital jukebox. Journal of Communication, 52(2), 351–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowert, R., Domahidi, E., Festl, R., & Quandt, T. (2014). Social gaming, lonely life? The impact of digital game play on adolescents’ social circles. Computers in Human Behavior, 36, 385–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowert, R., Domahidi, E., & Quandt, T. (2014). The relationship between online video game involvement and gaming-related friendships among emotionally sensitive individuals. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(7), 447–453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowert, R., Festl, R., & Quandt, T. (2014). Unpopular, overweight, and socially inept: Reconsidering the stereotype of online gamers. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(3), 141–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowert, R., & Oldmeadow, J. A. (2015). Playing for social comfort: Online video game play as a social accommodator for the insecurely attached. Computers in Human Behavior, 53, 556–566.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Theng, Y. L., & Foo, S. (2014). Game-based digital interventions for depression therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(8), 519–527.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maeda, Y., Kurokawa, T., Sakamoto, K., Kitamoto, I., Kohji, U., & Tashima, S. (1990). Electroclinical study of video-game epilepsy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 32, 493–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manganelli, L., Thibault-Landry, A., Forest, J., & Carpentier, J. (2018). Self-determination theory can help you generate performance and well-being in the workplace: A review of the literature. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 20(2), 227–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M. B., & Bartsch, A. (2010). Appreciation as audience response: Exploring entertainment gratifications beyond hedonism. Human Communication Research, 36(1), 53–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M. B., & Bartsch, A. (2011). Appreciation of entertainment: The importance of meaningfulness via virtue and wisdom. Journal of Media Psychology, 23(1), 29–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M. B., Bowman, N. D., Woolley, J. K., Rogers, R., Sherrick, B. I., & Chung, M. Y. (2016). Video games as meaningful entertainment experiences. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 5(4), 390–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver, M. B., & Raney, A. A. (2011). Entertainment as pleasurable and meaningful: Identifying hedonic and eudaimonic motivations for entertainment consumption. Journal of Communication, 61(5), 984–1004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parks, M. R., & Roberts, L. D. (1998). Making MOOsic’: The development of personal relationships on line and a comparison to their off-line counterparts. Journal of Social and Rersonal Relationships, 15(4), 517–537.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Przybylski, A. K., Rigby, C. S., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). A motivational model of video game engagement. Review of General Psychology, 14(2), 154–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Przybylski, A. K., Ryan, R. M., & Rigby, C. S. (2009). The motivating role of violence in video games. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35(2), 243–259.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. New York: Simon & Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quandt, T., Breuer, J., Festl, R., & Scharkow, M. (2013). Digitale Spiele: Stabile Nutzung in einem dynamischen Markt. Langzeitstudie GameStat: Repräsentativbefragungen zu digitalen Spielen in Deutschland 2010 bis 2013. Media Perspektiven, 10, 483–492.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quested, E., Ntoumanis, N., Viladrich, C., Haug, E., Ommundsen, Y., Van Hoye, A., … Duda, J. L. (2013). Intentions to drop-out of youth soccer: A test of the basic needs theory among European youth from five countries. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(4), 395–407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reer, F., & Krämer, N. C. (2014). Underlying factors of social capital acquisition in the context of online-gaming: Comparing world of warcraft and counter-strike. Computers in Human Behavior, 36, 179–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reer, F., & Krämer, N. C. (2017). The connection between introversion/extraversion and social capital outcomes of playing world of warcraft. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 20(2), 97–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reer, F., & Krämer, N. C. (2018). Psychological need satisfaction and well-being in first-person shooter clans: Investigating underlying factors. Computers in Human Behavior, 84, 383–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reer, F., & Krämer, N. C. (2019). Are online role-playing games more social than multiplayer first-person shooters? Investigating how online gamers’ motivations and playing habits are related to social capital acquisition and social support. Entertainment Computing, 29, 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reer, F., & Quandt, T. (in press). Entertainment theories and media addiction. In P. Vorderer & C. Klimmt (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of entertainment theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinecke, L. (2009a). Games and recovery: The use of video and computer games to recuperate from stress and strain. Journal of Media Psychology, 21(3), 126–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reinecke, L. (2009b). Games at work: The recreational use of computer games during working hours. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12(4), 461–465.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reinecke, L., Klatt, J., & Krämer, N. C. (2011). Entertaining media use and the satisfaction of recovery needs: Recovery outcomes associated with the use of interactive and noninteractive entertaining media. Media Psychology, 14(2), 192–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rieger, D., Frischlich, L., Wulf, T., Bente, G., & Kneer, J. (2015). Eating ghosts: The underlying mechanisms of mood repair via interactive and noninteractive media. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 4(2), 138–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rieger, D., Wulf, T., Kneer, J., Frischlich, L., & Bente, G. (2014). The winner takes it all: The effect of in-game success and need satisfaction on mood repair and enjoyment. Computers in Human Behavior, 39, 281–286.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, R., Woolley, J., Sherrick, B., Bowman, N. D., & Oliver, M. B. (2017). Fun versus meaningful video game experiences: A qualitative analysis of user responses. The Computer Games Journal, 6(1–2), 63–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 141–166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2008). A self-determination theory approach to psychotherapy: The motivational basis for effective change. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 49(3), 186–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., Rigby, C. S., & Przybylski, A. (2006). The motivational pull of video games: A self-determination theory approach. Motivation and Emotion, 30(4), 344–360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069–1081.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scharkow, M., Festl, R., Vogelgesang, J., & Quandt, T. (2015). Beyond the “core-gamer”: Genre preferences and gratifications in computer games. Computers in Human Behavior, 44, 293–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scharrer, E., Kamau, G., Warren, S., & Zhang, C. (2018). Violent video games do contribute to aggression. In C. Ferguson (Ed.), Video game influences on aggression, cognition, and attention (pp. 5–21). Cham: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, C., & Williams, D. (2011). Unpacking time online: Connecting internet and massively multiplayer online game use with psychosocial well-being. Communication Research, 38(1), 123–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherry, J. L., Lucas, K., Greenberg, B., & Lachlan, K. (2006). Video game uses and gratifications as predictors of use and game preference. In P. Vorderer & J. Bryant (Eds.), Playing computer games: Motives, responses, and consequences (pp. 213–224). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staiano, A. E., & Calvert, S. L. (2011). Exergames for physical education courses: Physical, social, and cognitive benefits. Child Development Perspectives, 5(2), 93–98.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Steinkuehler, C. A., & Williams, D. (2006). Where everybody knows your (screen) name: Online games as “third places”. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(4), 885–909.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sweetser, P., & Wyeth, P. (2005). GameFlow: A model for evaluating player enjoyment in games. Computers in Entertainment, 3(3), article 3a.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tamborini, R., Bowman, N. D., Eden, A., Grizzard, M., & Organ, A. (2010). Defining media enjoyment as the satisfaction of intrinsic needs. Journal of Communication, 60(4), 758–777.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tamborini, R., Grizzard, M., Bowman, N. D., Reinecke, L., Lewis, R. J., & Eden, A. (2011). Media enjoyment as need satisfaction: The contribution of hedonic and nonhedonic needs. Journal of Communication, 61(6), 1025–1042.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trepte, S., Reinecke, L., & Juechems, K. (2012). The social side of gaming: How playing online computer games creates online and offline social support. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(3), 832–839.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vorderer, P., Klimmt, C., & Ritterfeld, U. (2004). Enjoyment: At the heart of media entertainment. Communication Theory, 14(4), 388–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vorderer, P., & Reinecke, L. (2012). Zwei Prozess Modelle des Unterhaltungserlebens: Unterhaltung im Schnittbereich hedonischer und non-hedonischer Bedürfnisbefriedigung. In L. Reinecke & S. Trepte (Eds.), Unterhaltung in neuen Medien. Perspektiven zur Rezeption und Wirkung von Online-Medien und interaktiven Unterhaltungsformaten (pp. 12–29). Köln: von Halem.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D. (2006a). Groups and goblins: The social and civic impact of an online game. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 50(4), 651–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D. (2006b). On and off the’ net: Scales for social capital in an online era. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(2), 593–628.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D., Ducheneaut, N., Xiong, L., Zhang, Y., Yee, N., & Nickell, E. (2006). From tree house to barracks: The social life of guilds in world of warcraft. Games and Culture, 1(4), 338–361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, D., Yee, N., & Caplan, S. E. (2008). Who plays, how much, and why? Debunking the stereotypical gamer profile. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(4), 993–1018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wirth, W., Hofer, M., & Schramm, H. (2012). Beyond pleasure: Exploring the eudaimonic entertainment experience. Human Communication Research, 38(4), 406–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yee, N. (2006a). The demographics, motivations, and derived experiences of users of massively multi-user online graphical environments. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 15(3), 309–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yee, N. (2006b). Motivations for play in online games. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 9(6), 772–775.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zillmann, D. (1988). Mood management through communication choices. American Behavioral Scientist, 31(3), 327–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Communication, University of Münster, Münster, Germany

    Felix Reer & Thorsten Quandt

Authors
  1. Felix Reer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Thorsten Quandt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Felix Reer .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Take This, Seattle, WA, USA

    Rachel Kowert

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Reer, F., Quandt, T. (2020). Digital Games and Well-Being: An Overview. In: Kowert, R. (eds) Video Games and Well-being. Palgrave Studies in Cyberpsychology. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32770-5_1

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation