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Recreational video games are a multibillion-dollar industry, and playing them is an increasingly common activity in everyday life. People who have experienced illness may well turn to games for temporary distraction, stimulation, and other benefits. Yet little is known about the potential role these games may play in people’s lives and the extent to which motivations for playing them may also support well-being. To explore this issue, we conducted a survey of cancer survivors who play recreational games (N=794) and assessed motivations for playing and markers of psychological health and well-being. Motivations to play for intrinsic rewards (such as stimulation and a sense of accomplishment), for development of intellectual abilities and other aspects of self, and for the experience of being in a community were related to positive psychological outcomes. Findings offer insights into the potential benefits of recreational games and also implications for development of "serious" games for health.
Maria Leonora (Nori) G. Comello, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Diane B. Francis
Laura H Marshall, U of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Deanna Puglia, U of North Carolina-Chapel Hill