Effects of Video games on Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Many studies have investigated the effects of video games on emotion regulation. Emotion regulation is the ability to control a range of emotions in any given circumstance, such as to tolerate and cope with one’s emotions, especially negative / unpleasant emotions (Klynn, 2021). It is a way of being that allows you to be socially tolerable and acceptable, mentally efficient, and flexible in life (Klynn, 2021). So far, research has shown that video games do indeed improve emotion regulation. Video games have also been shown to increase motivation, which gives people a persistent, optimistic approach (Granic, Lobel, & Engels, 2014). They have also been shown to lower depressive symptoms and increase social support, giving people the opportunity to handle negative emotions (Granic, Lobel, 2014). It has also been shown that video games such as puzzles and flow experiences increase positive emotion, and it is more likely that people will play these video games to better regulate their emotions (Ferguson, 2010). Role-playing games have shown stimulated self-realization and given people an outlet to stimulate emotional experiences which will regulate emotions and behavior (Granic, Lobel, Engels, 2014).

In another case, video games have also been shown to self-regulate physical and mental health (Reinecke, L. (2009)). This is due to its ability to help people with daily problems, such as stress and fatigue. Causal video games are ones that do not require a ton of mental effort. Engaging in these games has also been shown to reduce stress levels and safely treat medical disorders like depression and cardiovascular disease (Russoniello, Brien, and Parks, 2009). Another interesting fact about video games on emotion regulation is that they can act as an emotional crutch for gamers of all ages and levels of intensity, (Gaetan & Bonnet, (2016)). Results in this study consistently demonstrated that using video games as a stage for emotion can help regulate it in most circumstances.

I will propose/develop a study that determines video games aptitude to improve emotion regulation (ER). Reviews of research have shown that video games can have positive effects on ER. Therefore, I will use video games that, based on prior research, are more likely to improve emotion regulation. The specific genre of video games will be tested by having people participate in an experiment. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups based on how often they play video games, their age and where they are from. Then the groups will do a task that measures emotional regulation.

Before presenting my proposed study, I will present several reviews done by other researchers investigating video games on ER. Such studies include video games that improve and reduce stress, experiments evaluating how video games impact ER, and finally video games as actual interventions for ER.

Keywords: Emotion Regulation, Video Games, Stress