Advance Release: New study shows violent video games decrease stress for many players.
The 54 participant study, set to publish on February 1st, shows violent video games did not induce stress in any players and measurably reduced stress in most.
“To measure the effects of gaming, the researchers employed several innovative techniques. They assessed participants’ levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and testosterone, both before and after gameplay, using saliva samples.
Additionally, to gauge personality traits, participants completed questionnaires assessing the “Dark Tetrad†– Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and everyday sadism. Finally, an Implicit Association Test (IAT) was used to measure aggressive tendencies.â€
Key results:
â—‹ no significant change in testosterone levels for all participants
â—‹ cortisol levels actually decreased in the group playing the violent game
â—‹ no increased likelihood of aggressive thoughts or behaviors
One more finding of interest: those who showed narcissistic (Dark Tetrad) tendencies did not see a reduction in cortisol levels. They did not evaluate either, but the potential treatment effect was not present.
These findings are holding true to all we know about immersive media. Is media powerful? Yes. Can media have therapeutic benefits? Under the right circumstances, absolutely.
Does media work the same for everyone? NO! And this answer may be the most vitally important characteristic to take note of in the development of Immersive Medicine.
*Article link includes a study link
Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gcYmBNxu
Authors: Gary L. Wagener, André Schulz, André Melzer (they also have a phenomenal 2022 publication)
Source: https://www.psypost.org/violent-video-games-decrease-stress-hormones-study-finds/
