Massively Multiplayer Online Games and Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Lisa Raith¹  Lee Kannis-Dymand¹  Julie Bignill¹  Vasileios Stavropoulos²  Prudence Millear¹  Andrew Allen¹  Helen M. Stallman⁴  Jonathan Mason¹  Tamara De Regt¹  Andrew Wood¹ 

[1] School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast;Institute of Health and Sports, Victoria University;School of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast

关键词: MMOs;    internet gaming;    systematic literature review;    PRISMA;    well-being;    massively multiplayer online;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698799

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Background: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) evolve online, whilst engaging large numbers of participants who play concurrently. Their online socialization component is a primary reason for their high popularity. Interestingly, the adverse effects of MMOs have attracted significant attention compared to their potential benefits. Methods: To address this deficit, employing PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to summarize empirical evidence regarding a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal MMO well-being outcomes for those older than 13. Results: Three databases identified 18 relevant English language studies, 13 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed method published between January 2012 and August 2020. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed, whilst validated tools appraised risk of bias and study quality. Conclusions: A significant positive relationship between playing MMOs and social well-being was concluded, irrespective of one's age and/or their casual or immersed gaming patterns. This finding should be considered in the light of the limited: (a) game platforms investigated; (b) well-being constructs identified; and (c) research quality (i.e., modest). Nonetheless, conclusions are of relevance for game developers and health professionals, who should be cognizant of the significant MMOs-well-being association(s). Future research should focus on broadening the well-being constructs investigated, whilst enhancing the applied methodologies.

【 授权许可】

CC BY