News Release 27-Aug-2024
Innovative research from Japan challenges negative perceptions, revealing the psychological benefits of video gaming
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Osaka University
image:
Video Gaming—A Path to Improved Mental Well-Being. Study reveals gaming improves mental well-being across diverse demographics.
Credit: Hiroaki Kanemitsu, Hiroyuki Egami
A pioneering study titled “Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022,” published in Nature Human Behaviour, has conducted the most comprehensive investigation to date on the causal relationship between video gaming and mental well-being. This research, the first to demonstrate this relationship using real-life data, challenges commonly held views about the effects of gaming.
Key Findings:
Analysis of 97,602 survey responses from Japanese residents aged 10 to 69 during the COVID-19 period
Game console ownership, along with increased gameplay, significantly improved mental well-being
Machine learning analysis revealed that different consoles had varying impacts: PlayStation 5 showed smaller benefits for adolescents and females, while Nintendo Switch demonstrated larger benefits for adolescents
The study found substantial improvements in mental well-being: owning a Nintendo Switch improved mental health by 0.60 standard deviations, while owning a PlayStation 5 improved it by 0.12 standard deviations. Additionally, PlayStation 5 ownership increased life satisfaction by 0.23 standard deviations.
The research team, comprising experts from Osaka University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Takasaki City University of Economics, the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, and Nihon University, utilized a unique natural experimental design. By analyzing data from game console lotteries during COVID-19 supply shortages, they established a causal link between gaming and improved mental health.
Statements from the Research Team:
“Our findings challenge common stereotypes about gaming being harmful or merely providing temporary euphoria,” said lead author Hiroyuki Egami, PhD., Assistant Professor at Nihon University. “We’ve shown that gaming can improve mental health and life satisfaction across a broad spectrum of individuals.”
Egami further explained, “Many earlier studies drew conclusions from correlational analysis with observational data, which can’t distinguish between cause and effect. Our natural experimental design allows us to confidently say that gaming actually leads to improved well-being, rather than just being associated with it.”
Md. Shafiur Rahman, PhD., Senior Assistant Professor at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine and second author of the study added: “As an epidemiologist, I’ve often seen concerns about gaming’s negative impacts. However, this study’s robust methodology challenges those preconceptions. It highlights the need for a more nuanced approach in studying digital media’s effects on health.”
Notably, the study found that while the PlayStation 5 offered relatively smaller psychological benefits for children, the Nintendo Switch provided larger psychological benefits. These findings question the stereotype that games are universally harmful to children and emphasize the importance of considering the multifaceted nature of gaming, including platforms, genres, and playing styles, in research and policymaking.
While the data for this study was collected during the COVID-19 period, the authors note the importance of future research to verify these results in different contexts. Nonetheless, the study’s robust methodology provides compelling evidence for the causal relationship between video gaming and improved mental well-being.
This impactful research provides crucial evidence for policymakers and international organizations like WHO and UNICEF to develop more nuanced approaches to digital media consumption. It also paves the way for future research into personalized gaming experiences that could enhance well-being.
The full paper can be accessed at: [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01948-y]
Contact information:
For more information, please contact:
Hiroyuki Egami, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Research Institute of Economic Science, Nihon University. Email: [email protected]
Md. Shafiur Rahman, Ph.D. Senior Assistant Professor, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui. Email: [email protected]
Takahisa Wakabayashi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Regional Policy, Takasaki City University of Economics. Email: [email protected]
Publishing Journal:
Nature Human Behaviour
Paper Title:
Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022
Authors:
Hiroyuki Egami1,2*; Md. Shafiur Rahman3,4; Tsuyoshi Yamamoto5; Chihiro Egami; Takahisa Wakabayashi6
1Research Institute of Economic Science, Nihon University
2Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies, Ritsumeikan University
3Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
4United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui
5Department of Policy Studies, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
6Faculty of Regional Policy, Takasaki City University of Economics
The article, “Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022,” was published in Nature Human Behaviour at DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01948-y
About Osaka University
Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan’s leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world. Now, Osaka University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation.
Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en
Journal
Nature Human Behaviour
DOI
10.1038/s41562-024-01948-y
Method of Research
Observational study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Causal effect of video gaming on mental well-being in Japan 2020-2022
Article Publication Date
19-Aug-2024
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