Dissertation
Mindful Gaming: How Digital Games can Improve Mindfulness
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00239
Abstract
In recent years, attention to the delivery of mindfulness interventions through new technology such as the smartphone has increased. However, few studies have investigated how digitalgames can enable and facilitate mindfulness training. This research investigates how mindfulness can be improved using technology such as digital games. For this thesis, mindfulness is defined as an inherent capacity in human beings that can be trained, and can be explored within the structure of an eight-factor model. Acknowledging the full value of traditional mindfulness meditation, this research proposed, developed, and evaluated a digital gamebased mindfulness program to complement and support meditation training for beginners. The overall goal was to make mindfulness practice more accessible to beginners, who experience severe challenges during meditation. In Study 1, a literature and software review were conducted. For each mindfulness factor, appropriate games and interactive approaches are presented with research evidence showing their efficacy for mindfulness training. Effective games were disaggregated according to their mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics to provide design recommendations for game developers who wish to develop mindfulness in their players. Study 2 broadens the eight-factor definition of mindfulness to include prosociality, emotion regulation, and selftranscendence, and identifies interactive technologies that are effective at promoting mindfulness.
Details
- Title
- Mindful Gaming: How Digital Games can Improve Mindfulness
- Authors
- Jacek Sliwinski
- Contributors
- Christian M Jones (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00239
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451323202621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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