Video Game Habits Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship Between Video Game Engagement and Creative Thinking in Academic Environments: Cross-Sectional Study

This study explores the relationship between video game engagement and creative thinking among university students in an academic setting. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 university students aged 17–25 years, from various academic disciplines. The sample, predominantly female (57.5%) and aged 22 years (27.5%), provided diverse perspectives on the impact of video games on their academic and creative capabilities. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed significant insights into how video games may enhance creative problem-solving skills and overall creative thinking in an educational context. The study found that a high percentage of participants (47.5%) had a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0, suggesting a potential link between academic performance and video gaming habits. The results highlight the need for further research into specific game genres and their distinct influences on creativity among different demographics. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the cognitive benefits of video games and their potential to foster creative skills in higher education environments.

The Transferability of Pilots’ Video Gaming Experience to the Skills and Situation Awareness of Operating UAVs

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are increasingly used in various industries. However, this increased automation can lead to reduced safety, decreasing situational awareness (SA). Industry experts have investigated operator accuracy, attentiveness, and selection methods by testing transferable skills between pilots with different video gaming (VG) habits and flying a drone. To contribute to this research further, we investigated pilots’ VG playing habits on SA while flying a UAV and their ability to learn and perform in a novel scenario. SA of non-VG playing pilots and VG playing pilots while operating a drone using a simulator was compared. VG playing pilots ( n = 31), compared to non-VG playing pilots ( n = 31) were quicker to adapt and learn in a novel environment and exhibited significantly better SA while flying a drone. These findings may be useful to identify individuals who are predisposed to better SA, thus improving selection and training.

PCR81 Association between Video Gaming Habits and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents

PCR81 Association between Video Gaming Habits and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents

Exploring the Impact of Gaming Habits on Sleep Patterns Among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Video gaming is increasingly popular among young adults, potentially affecting health and daily routines, especially sleep patterns. In Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, the impact of video gaming on sleep and health among young adults is not well understood. This study aims to explore this relationship, focusing on how video gaming habits influence sleep patterns and associated health outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional survey utilized an adapted online questionnaire to gather data on demographics, video gaming habits, sleep patterns, and body mass index from young adults in Al-Ahsa. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression, was applied to examine the associations between video gaming habits and sleep sufficiency. Results The study included 302 participants, including 165 (54.6%) females. A majority reported playing video games for less than one hour daily (36.1%), with 82.5% preferring online gaming. Notably, 54.3% of participants slept more than six hours nightly, yet challenges with sleep initiation were evident, as 48.0% went to bed past midnight. Multivariable logistic regression highlighted significant factors affecting sleep sufficiency: participants who played games after completing tasks had 80% lower odds of sleep insufficiency compared to those who played before tasks. Overweight participants were found to be 7.7 times more likely to experience sleep insufficiency compared to their underweight peers. Conclusion The study underscores a complex relationship between video gaming habits and sleep patterns among young adults in Al-Ahsa, with significant health implications. It suggests the necessity for interventions promoting balanced gaming habits and improved sleep hygiene to mitigate adverse health outcomes.

From classrooms to controllers: how school closures shaped children's video gaming habits

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on screen time and video gaming habits among governmental school students in Qatar and explore the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within this context.MethodsA cross-sectional approach was employed, spanning two months from June to August 2022. A random sample of students aged 8–15 years was drawn from the national electronic health record system of Qatar. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted to collect data. The Parental Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (PIGDS) was used for IGD assessment.ResultsOf 428 parents, 257 (60%) confirmed their child's engagement in video gaming during school closures. Participants averaged 11 years in age with 92 (35.8%) females and 165 (64.2%) males. Nationality included 62.6% expatriates and 37.4% Qatari locals. Average weekly screen time increased significantly from 19.7 ± 10.1 h to 31.9 ± 12.6 h during closure (p < 0.001). Video gaming time rose from 8.6 ± 8.6 h to 13.0 ± 12.4 h per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of IGD was 8.6% (95% CI 5.4–12.7). Male students, expatriates, and those reporting increased video gaming time were more likely to develop IGD than their female and local counterparts.ConclusionThe observed associations between video gaming increase and IGD highlight the need for focused interventions to address potential risks and promote healthier digital habits among this population.

An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Video Gaming and the Relationship with Depression among University Students

Introduction: Video games which are electronic games played on a video screen, has the potential to be one of the leading causes of depression among youth. Since there are only few studies on the issue, this study identified the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on the effects of video gaming on depression among International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) students and the correlation between them. Methods: A self-developed questionnaire, with four sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice on depression and video games, was used to do a cross-sectional survey among 140 IIUM students. The level of KAP was evaluated using a descriptive frequency table. Pearson correlation test was used to determine the correlation. Results: The majority of the respondents had moderate level of knowledge (56.4%) and attitude (57.1%). For practice scores, the majority portrayed a poor level of it (73.6%). Only knowledge and attitude scores showed positive correlation (r = 0.440). Conclusion: This study showed that increasing knowledge on factors of excessive video gaming habits and factors that increases the risk for development of depression can be helpful in tackling the rising rate of depression among the youth in Malaysia.

Children Playing Video Games During COVID-19 In Spain

As has been verified, those who spend more time playing video games are children and adolescents. The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increased the prolonged use of video games in this population. In this context it is possible to observe some risks of this use, one of them the symptoms of gaming disorder (GD). The objective of this study is to analyze video game habits and the possible impacts on children - aged between 7 and 10 years – gaming for more than 4 hours daily during confinement - the lockdown was announced on March 14, 2020 and lasted approximately three months.- in Spain. Likewise, this study examines how families have acted after the detection of possible dependencies. According to the (10) families interviewed, the children have modified their routines, changed their mood, their symbolic games and –some of them– developed a clear dependency on the screen(s). Faced with this reality, the majority of the families created various strategies in order to modify these new habits and reduce the exposition to video games; others they decided to contact professionals to receive some assistance with their children’s behavior. The lack of knowledge of families about the use of video games is observed in three specific areas: first, knowing if it is an appropriate game for their child's age; second, set time limits; finally in being able to evaluate the dependency to the game. Based on the results, the study of video games in children requires the development of broader, complex and coherent approaches that focuses on the intra-family experience and parents’ skills to be with their children in this context. In addition, approaches that include spaces for the effective education of families about video games, including workshops and tools represent a clear need that could be addressed from schools or related institutions.

Video game playing frequency, social cognition, and social behavior in childhood.

Socialization is the basis of human behavior and thus an individual’s social competence is key to creating and maintaining satisfying relationships, communicating with others, and functioning adaptively in society. With video games increasingly omnipresent in the leisure activities of young people, concerns have been raised as to their potential harmfulness, or conversely, their utility with respect to developing cognitive, affective, and social skills. However, reported links between video game playing frequency (VGPF) and markers of social competence are equivocal, with some studies reporting adverse associations and others highlighting measurable benefits. Much of the previous work in this area has focused on adolescents, yet video game use is also common in elementary school children. This study aimed to explore associations between VGPF and three components of social competence: social cognitive skills, social adaptive skills, and social behavior. Children (n = 57, 6–12 years) completed measures of these components, and their parents completed a video game habits questionnaire. Weekly VGPF was positively associated with executive and social behavior difficulties and negatively associated with social adaptive skills and prosocial behavior. Social adaptive skills, empathy, and lower VGPF were independently associated with prosocial behavior, while poorer empathy and executive difficulties were associated with social behavior problems. In conclusion, elementary school children who played video games less frequently in this study displayed better social competence in terms of prosocial behavior, but there was no association between VGPF and social behavior problems. Limiting gaming frequency could possibly increase opportunities for real-life social interaction, promoting prosocial behavior.

0021 The effect of video gaming on the sleep patterns and well-being of U.S. Marines

Abstract Introduction Video gaming (VGs) is a popular activity among active-duty service members (ADSMs) and can have both positive and negative impacts on ADSM well-being and behavior. The overall aim of the project was to assess attributes and aspects of video gaming in the United States Navy and Marine Corps (USMC). Our current results specifically address the effects of video gaming on the sleep patterns of Marines. Methods Data were collected from 927 Marines from three USMC commands. Volunteers completed a survey and participated in semi-structured focus groups. The survey items focused on demographic and occupational characteristics, behavioral habits, video gaming habits, why ADSMs play video games, and functional effects. Validated tools were used to assess depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and drinking habits (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption-AUDIT-C). Results The study sample included predominantly males (854, 92.3%) and enlisted personnel (771, 83.3%). Also, 850 (91.7%) Marines reported playing video games (799 [94.0%] males). Gamers reported playing VGs predominantly later in the day (i.e., after work and before bedtime). Approximately 16% of gamers reported sleeping later because of playing VGs when at home/off duty, ~14% when on duty/in port, and ~5% when deployed/underway. When deployed/underway, most gamers reported playing video games in their racks (93.2%). Gamers reported symptoms of depression (~23% of ADSMs), generalized anxiety (~19%), excessive daytime sleepiness (~33%), and AUDIT-C scores suggestive of heavy drinking (39%). Excessive gamers tended to be younger, used dysfunctional coping styles more frequently, and played VGs more frequently and for more hours. Excessive gamers were more likely to report sleeping later because of playing VGs and to be identified with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion This study provided valuable insight into how video gaming habits affect ADSM sleep patterns. Further research is needed to objectively assess the relationship between video gaming and sleep in operational conditions. Support (If Any) Supported by the Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&amp;RA), Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations/21st Century Sailor Office (OPNAV/N17).

Investigating Adolescents' Video Gaming and Gambling Activities, and Their Relationship With Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Difficulties: Protocol for a Multi-Informant Study.

BackgroundGrowing empirical evidence suggests that adolescents have a relatively greater propensity to develop problematic video gaming or gambling habits.ObjectiveThe main objectives of this study are to estimate the prevalence of potential pathological gambling and video game use among adolescent students and to evaluate their risk factors.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional multi-informant study based on an online survey. It will include a sample of adolescents attending secondary schools located in Brescia, northern Italy, their schoolteachers, and parents. The survey includes extensive data on adolescents’ (1) demographic, social, economic, and environmental characteristics; (2) behavioral, emotional, and social problems and adaptive functioning; (3) emotional and social loneliness; (4) perception of the reasons to use social networks; (5) video game habits and pathological use of video gaming; and (6) gambling behaviors.ResultsThis protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Board of the Spedali Civili of Brescia (Italy). We expect to collect data from 793 or more adolescent students, as determined by our sample size calculation.ConclusionsThis multisite project will make a substantial contribution to (1) the implementation of a system for identifying pathological gambling and pathological video game use among adolescents, allowing for interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ financial, emotional, and social well-being; and (2) the identification of distinct profiles of gamblers and pathological video gamers that will contribute to setting up effective targeted prevention measures. Understanding the causes and impact of gambling and pathological video gaming on adolescents is a public health issue.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/33376

The impact of video games on training: can it change the game of endotracheal intubation?

In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that the experience derived from video games improves interventions that require technical skills. Airway management is crucial to anesthesiologists, requiring technical and non-technical skills. We evaluated the benefits of video games for video stylet-guided tracheal intubation, which allows the use of video technology in airway management of residents with anesthesiology training. In the present study, the residents working in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation at the Health Sciences University of Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital in Istanbul were assigned to two groups. Active users who played video games on a regular basis formed study group (n = 14), while those who did not have video gaming habits were assigned to the control group (n = 15). Female patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II classification undergoing elective open or laparoscopic gynecological surgery through tracheal intubation under general anesthesia were included in the study. Female patients elective open and laparoscopic gynecological surgery under GA were included in the study. Time to intubate the trachea by using video stylet in (Group 1) was found to be 29s on average, and it was 59.9s for Group 2 ( p < 0.01) The average number of tracheal intubation attempts was 1.1 in Group 1, and 1.4 in Group 2 (p = 0.19). Video gaming experience improves the visual attention.Those accustomed to playing with video games, video stylet- guided tracheal intubation, performed intubation in less time.

Video game playing among preschoolers: prevalence and home environment in three provinces from Turkey

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate the video game habits and their relationship with home environment in children 2–5 years in Turkey. A structured questionnaire about the child’s demographic, screen, and video gaming characteristics was completed by parents in five health centers from three provinces. One-quarter of 1245 preschoolers were found to play video games. The prevalence of playing video games was higher in older age, male gender, low parental education, families with 3 or more children, having a game console, computers and tablets at home, child’s screen time of more than 2 hours per day, child’s non-compliance with the parental screen rules, and presence of someone else playing videogame at home. Of the parents, 54.5% did not know the name of the video game the child was playing. Parents should be counseled about supervising on their children’s video game playing habits and selection of well-designed games with the right content.

Gaming among Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Role of Parents in Time Spent on Video Games and Gaming Disorder Symptoms.

It is mainly children and adolescents who are involved in video gaming. The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have further increased their use of video games and, consequently, the risk of gaming disorder (GD) symptoms. However, currently, we do not have exhaustive knowledge of this issue. To fill this gap, the current study aims to analyze video gaming habits in children and adolescents during the lockdown, starting in March 2020 in Italy, the first European country affected by the pandemic. Specifically, we aim to understand how variables related to parents—for instance, knowledge of their offspring’s life, the monitoring of their video gaming habits, and parental use of video games—are related to their offspring’s time spent on video games and GD symptoms. A web-based survey involving parents (n = 554, 79% mothers, mean age = 45.39) of 554 children and adolescents (73% males, mean age = 11.11) was utilized. The results showed that they were involved in video games, particularly boys and adolescents, with high rates of GD symptoms. The parents also spent a considerable amount of time playing video games. A path model that explained the mechanisms through which parental variables were related to their offspring’s time spent on video games and GD symptoms, controlling for gender and age, was verified. Overall, the findings indicate the importance of educating parents to behave effectively with respect to video games and monitor their offspring’s video gaming habits.

Evaluation of video game playing status in school-age children with various variables.

Excessive video game playing has several health implications on children. In this study, we evaluate the factors related to video game use in school-aged children. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 160 children aged 6-8 years who applied to outpatient clinics at the Department of Pediatrics at Başkent University Hospital. Each parent completed a structured questionnaire including demographic information, video game use, average daily screen time, and parental habits and concerns about their children's screen use. The mean age of first video game use was (mean±SD) 2.8±1.1 years. The minimum age for playing video games was 1 year. Male children spent more time playing video games. Both parental age and maternal education level were higher in the group of video gamers compared with non-gamers (p<0.05). Average time spent playing video games was 2.7±1.6 hours/day. The group of video gamers had a considerably younger age for starting watching television and higher rates for other video gamers at home than non-gamers (p=0.036 and p<0001, respectively). The group of video gamers had significantly higher rates for having a computer, tablet, and game console at home compared with non-gamers (p<0.05). Our study indicates a statistically significant relationship between the age of starting watching television, gender of child, parent's age, maternal education, and the categories of video gaming habits. Developing strategies toward avoiding early screen exposure in children should be taken into consideration, because it is directly related to video gaming habits in children.

Can Worried Parents Predict Effects of Video Games on Their Children? A Case-Control Study of Cognitive Abilities, Addiction Indicators and Wellbeing.

Many parents worry over their children’s gaming habits, but to what extent do such worries match any detrimental effects of excessive gaming? We attempted to answer this question by comparing children of highly concerned parents with other adolescents of the same age. A cohort of parents who identified as highly concerned over their children’s video game habits were recruited for a public study in collaboration with a national television network. Using an online experimental platform in conjunction with surveys of parents’ beliefs and attitudes, we compared their children to age-matched peers in an exploratory case-control study. The scores of children with highly concerned parents on tests of cognitive control (cued task-switching and Iowa Gambling Task) and psychological wellbeing (WHO-5) were statistically similar to controls, suggesting no selective cognitive or psychological detriments from gaming or otherwise in the cases with concerned parents. The case group, however, did spend more time gaming, and scored higher than controls on problem gaming indicators (Gaming Addiction Scale), which also correlated negatively with wellbeing. Within the case group, wellbeing effects seemed mainly to consist in issues of relaxation and sleep, and related to gaming addiction indicators of playing to forget real-world problems, and the feeling of neglecting non-gaming activities. Where most results of research staged for TV never get published, making it difficult to interpret both methods and results, this paper describes findings and participant recruitment in detail. The relationship between parental concern and children’s gaming is discussed, as is the merits and challenges of research conducted with media, such as TV programs and their recruited on-screen participants.

"Who Are the Cyka Blyat?" How Empathy, Impulsivity, and Motivations to Play Predict Aggressive Behaviors in Multiplayer Online Games.

Prior studies have mainly focused on the controversial issue of whether violent video games lead to aggressive behavior in real life. However, data regarding antisocial behavior while playing online are still scarce. In this study, we examined the relationship between toxicity (a form of verbal aggressive behavior directed against other players) in multiplayer online video games and several potential predictors such as personality traits, emotion reactivity, and motivations to play. A large-scale survey (n = 816) was conducted among French-speaking adult gamers, assessing video game habits, impulsivity, empathy, emotion reactivity, and motivations to play (i.e., socialization, achievement, immersion). Results showed that younger age, being male, spending a lot of time playing per week, and being highly achieving increased the likelihood of reporting toxicity and change of behavior in game. High emotional reactivity and being high in two dimensions of impulsivity (negative urgency and sensation seeking) increased the likelihood of toxic behavior. In contrast, individuals who are more empathic tended to report nontoxic behavior and individuals who play to socialize reported little change in behavior in game. Future research should address the complexity of behaviors displayed during online games-notably through experimental studies allowing direct observation of gamers while they play-and the functional connection between toxicity and several psychological, emotional, and motivational dimensions in further detail. Scientific research would also benefit from the creation and validation of a scale measuring in game, the social and antisocial behaviors.

Exploring the Effects of Violent Video Games on Healthcare Trainees

Background. The prevalence of video game play has continued to increase. Previous literature has suggested negative emotional consequences related to violent video game play, such as an increase in aggression and decrease in empathy. Healthcare providers require high levels of empathy to effectively work with patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of video games on empathy on a sample of graduate-level healthcare trainees. Methods. A sample of 81 students on a healthcare campus completed a 30-item survey assessing video game habits and empathy levels. Participants were then placed into two groups (violent and non-violent) based on the amount of video game violence they are exposed to. Results. The results revealed no differences between healthcare trainees on overall empathy. A follow-up analysis examining individual subscales that comprise the overall empathy score, indicated the violent video game players had lower scores on the Personal Distress scale. Conclusion. Findings suggest that healthcare trainees who play violent video games do not experience decreased Empathic Concern or Perspective Taking, compared to individuals who do not play violent games. However, healthcare trainees who play violent video games indicated lower levels of Personal Distress. Given the intensity in healthcare settings, findings suggest violent video game play may be adaptive to healthcare trainees, as lower personal distress can lead to better decision-making and potentially prevent burnout. Further research is necessary to determine the role of video game play in healthcare professionals.

Video games use in childhood and adolescence: Social phobia and differential susceptibility to media effects.

Literature established a correlation between heavy exposure with video games (VGs) and withdrawal, loneliness, worse social skills, and social phobia. The present study hypothesizes that children with social phobia are more vulnerable to higher exposure in video gaming. Moreover, it hypothesizes that children with social phobia and higher exposure with VGs will be more at risk of developing negative outcomes such as externalizing problems. A survey measuring VG use habits, social phobia, and clinical outcomes was administered to 359 children and adolescents attending primary, secondary, and high schools in Northern Italy (aged 6-18 years old; M = 12.81, standard deviation (SD) = 3.16). Results show that participants with both social phobia and higher exposure in video gaming habits display worse developmental outcomes. Results are discussed in the light of the existing literature.

The Association Between Video Gaming and Psychological Functioning.

Video gaming is an extremely popular leisure-time activity with more than two billion users worldwide (Newzoo, 2017). However, the media as well as professionals have underscored the potential dangers of excessive video gaming. With the present research, we aimed to shed light on the relation between video gaming and gamers’ psychological functioning. Questionnaires on personality and psychological health as well as video gaming habits were administered to 2,734 individuals (2,377 male, 357 female, Mage = 23.06, SDage = 5.91). Results revealed a medium-sized negative correlation between problematic video gaming and psychological functioning with regard to psychological symptoms, affectivity, coping, and self-esteem. Moreover, gamers’ reasons for playing and their preferred game genres were differentially related to psychological functioning with the most notable findings for distraction-motivated players as well as action game players. Future studies are needed to examine whether these psychological health risks reflect the causes or consequences of video gaming.

Relationships Among Violent and Non-Violent Video Games, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Aggression in Female and Male Gamers

This study examines the differences in anxiety, self-esteem, and aggression levels between players of violent and non-violent video game and its connection to gender and age. This survey-based research utilizes survey data from 851 video gamers. The study included 61% men and 39% women. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 45. Participants were administered an anonymous survey including demographics, a questionnaire for video game habits, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, a state anxiety inventory (STAI-S), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The results revealed significant differences between males and females, as well as between younger and older gamers. Despite the majority of research showing a positive relationship between violent video game exposure and aggression levels, the results suggest that of the preference for a violent video game over a non-violent one is not, in itself, a cause for increased anxiety, self-esteem, and aggression levels.