HCI International

Understanding Individual Differences in Mental Health and Video Games

Video games function as viable pre-clinical, transdiagnostic interventions for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Video games can function as pre-clinical, transdiagnostic interventions for anxiety and depression by satisfying the psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence.
• Adventure and role-playing games are the most effective genres for mental health outcomes due to their focus on player agency and skill mastery.
• Data from the Ubisoft Perceived Experience Questionnaire confirms that a sense of competence gained through gameplay is directly linked to reduced anxiety levels.