Video Games and Mental Health
By Bulletz. Filed in Gaming |
The two have found their way into the news again. It is becoming increasingly evident that the effects of games on the brain may actually be beneficial. For instance, someone who is bipolar may be able to play a game and end up in a less manic or depressive state.
Researchers at the University of Rochester recently reported finding that children and adults play video games because they fulfill basic psychological needs such as opportunities for achievement, freedom and a sense of connection to others.
The same fundamental belief that aggressive behavior is triggered by violent games is being used in these studies. There was even mention of Dance Dance Revolution being beneficial to overall mental health because of its positive game play experience. I agree with them. I play Tetris when I feel manic and Text Twist when I am depressed. It is a great big help to me and keeps me sane more often than not.
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