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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Massively Multiplayer Online Games and Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review
Frontiers in Psychology, Vol.12, pp.1-13
2021
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
Background: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) evolve online, whilst engaging large numbers of participants who play concurrently. Their online socialization component is a primary reason for their high popularity. Interestingly, the adverse effects of MMOs have attracted significant attention compared to their potential benefits.
Methods: To address this deficit, employing PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to summarize empirical evidence regarding a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal MMO well-being outcomes for those older than 13.
Results: Three databases identified 18 relevant English language studies, 13 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed method published between January 2012 and August 2020. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed, whilst validated tools appraised risk of bias and study quality.
Conclusions: A significant positive relationship between playing MMOs and social well-being was concluded, irrespective of one's age and/or their casual or immersed gaming patterns. This finding should be considered in the light of the limited: (a) game platforms investigated; (b) well-being constructs identified; and (c) research quality (i.e., modest). Nonetheless, conclusions are of relevance for game developers and health professionals, who should be cognizant of the significant MMOs-well-being association(s). Future research should focus on broadening the well-being constructs investigated, whilst enhancing the applied methodologies.
Details
- Title
- Massively Multiplayer Online Games and Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review
- Authors
- Lisa Raith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJulie Bignill (Author) - School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine CoastVasileios Stavropoulos (Author) - Victoria UniversityPrudence Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyAndrew Allen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyHelen M Stallman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteJonathan Mason (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyTamara De Regt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyAndrew Wood (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyLee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Frontiers in Psychology, Vol.12, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Frontiers Research Foundation
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698799
- ISSN
- 1664-1078
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2021 Raith, Bignill, Stavropoulos, Millear, Allen, Stallman, Mason, De Regt, Wood and Kannis-Dymand. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; Engage Research Lab; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99553608702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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