You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Playing non-violent casual games can reduce depression, a study carried out by East Carolina University has revealed. Measurable depression symptoms reduced by 57 per cent compared to a control group, the findings have shown.
Casual game developer PopCap (Peggle, Bejeweled, Bookworm Adventures) underwrote the study, with the East Carolina University looking at 59 adults diagnosed with clinical depression. Half of the subjects played Bejeweled 2, Bookworm Adventures or Peggle 12 times over a period of one month, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes.
Questionnaires and sensors were used to record depression, anxiety levels and general mood, before and after gameplay.
“The results of this randomized clinical study clearly demonstrate the intrinsic value of certain casual games in terms of significant, positive effects on depression and anxiety symptoms,” the researchers wrote in the report.
“In our opinion these findings support the use of prescribed casual video games for treating depression and anxiety as an adjunct to, or even replacement for, standard therapies including medication.”
Via Gamasutra
Peggle, with its simple, semi luck-based gameplay and whimsical characters is definitely a great game to play if you want to snap out of a bad mood. Although I’m not sure playing it competitively against a friend will bring about the same results.
About the Author
