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East Carolina University’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies today revealed the results of a six-month long, randomized, controlled study that measured the stress-relieving and other mood-lifting effects of so-called “casual” video games. The three puzzle and word games used in the study were, Bejeweled 2, Peggle, and Bookworm Adventures. Specifically, these games reduced levels of anger, depression, fatigue, confusion, and stress while providing for an increased sense of vigor in the subjects. They are all made by PopCap Games and we’re not sure if they sponsored any part of the study or not, but Dr. Carmen Russoniello seemed thoroughly impressed with the findings when she stated the following: “I’ve conducted many clinical studies in the area of recreational therapy in the past, but this was the first one seeking to determine the potential therapeutic value of video games. The results of this study are impressive and intriguing, given the extent of the effects of the games on subjects’ stress levels and overall mood. When coupled with the very high degree of confidence we have in those results based on the methodology and technologies used, I believe there is a wide range of therapeutic applications of casual games in mood-related disorders such as depression and in stress-related disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” |