Commercial video games as a resource for mental health: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Game-based interventions have been gradually and successfully implemented in the mental health domain given the games' ability to positively affect a variety of mental health conditions. To this aim, scholars have recently discovered the usefulness of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) video games, due to their increasing popularity, availability, and cost effectiveness. Nevertheless, key aspects of this line of research have not emerged yet, since a comprehensive overview of how commercial video games impact on different mental disorders is still missing. In this article, we present a systematic literature review of recent research that focuses on the usage of commercial video games in mental health. We analyze 39 papers and map the relevant themes that are recurrent in the last ten years of research, offering a detailed understanding of the methodological approaches that were used, the results obtained, the main disorders addressed, and the video game genres exploited. On the basis of these findings, we highlight open issues in current work and point out a variety of research opportunities that could be tackled in future years, like the need of conducting more field and longitudinal studies, the necessity of developing the design knowledge, and the possibility of connecting research with clinical practice.

Online video games and patient–staff power relations. A qualitative study of care and custody in forensic psychiatry

“…In mental health care interventions, these game mechanisms may help stimulate prosocial behaviour among patient groups where social functioning is challenged (Boldi & Rapp, 2021 ; Granic et al, 2014 ). Significantly, they may also help promote stronger therapeutic relations by redefining staff–patient social roles and offering a sense of sharing meaningfulness on equal terms (Rosegrant, 2012 ).…”

“…Research increasingly recognizes online video games (OVGs) as a valuable therapeutic intervention in mental health care (Boldi & Rapp, 2021 ; Rosegrant, 2012 ; Steadman et al, 2014 ). When played in a structured form, OVGs may teach participants important individual and social competencies to establish and maintain new social identities and relations.…”

“…When played in a structured form, OVGs may teach participants important individual and social competencies to establish and maintain new social identities and relations. OVGs may also promote feelings of empowerment and respect among participants via group recognition in practice realized via gaming skills (Boldi & Rapp, 2021 ; Freeman & Wohn, 2017 ; Granic et al, 2014 ; Wright et al, 2002 ). OVGs are also a scene for negotiating power relations (Consalvo, 2007 ; Toft‐Nielsen & Krogager, 2015 ).…”

Impact of Virtual Imaging Technology on Film and Television Production Education of College Students Based on Deep Learning and Internet of Things

“…In the following experiments, the therapeutic effect of the designed Sand Table game model on mentally ill patients is greatly improved to encourage patients to express their intrinsic feelings through game playing, which is convenient for the treatment work of doctors. Boldi and Rapp (2021) proposed that a commercially successful video game could play a positive role in the treatment of mentally ill patients in the next few years. According to the conclusion of this article, it is agreed that games can have a positive impact on various mental health conditions, and the game-based intervention measures have been gradually and successfully implemented in the field of mental health ( Wu W. et al, 2020 ; Boldi and Rapp, 2021 ).…”

“… Boldi and Rapp (2021) proposed that a commercially successful video game could play a positive role in the treatment of mentally ill patients in the next few years. According to the conclusion of this article, it is agreed that games can have a positive impact on various mental health conditions, and the game-based intervention measures have been gradually and successfully implemented in the field of mental health ( Wu W. et al, 2020 ; Boldi and Rapp, 2021 ).…”