Playing recreational videogames, particularly to receive intrinsic rewards and to connect with others, may play a supportive role in the psychological health of survivors. Findings suggest future areas for research and implications for development of serious games.

The present study offers a unique perspective by focusing on the intersection of values and gameplay among survivors. The findings suggest that playing recreational computer games and videogames may be congruent with survivors' personal values and may have potential to influence positive health outcomes among survivors. The findings have implications for developing effective values-based interventions for cancer survivors.

Value-affirming activities have been linked to positive health outcomes and improved ability to cope. For cancer survivors who regularly play video games, might the games have potential to affirm values? We surveyed gameplaying survivors and included an open-ended question asking about values and the extent to which they perceived gameplaying as supporting values. A content analysis of responses ( N = 533) using Schwartz’s value typology revealed that a majority perceived gameplaying as supporting values or offering other benefits. Self-transcendence followed by openness to change were the most frequently coded higher-order categories. The results contribute to a richer understanding of survivors who gameplay.

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In this issue of the North Carolina Medical Journal, authors explore and debate the ways communication can influ­ence how North Carolinians access health care in our state. Articles illustrate the importance of increasing trust in health care providers and systems at a time when care is changing dramatically, and patients have more access to information than they ever have.