Commercial Off-The-Shelf Video Games for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Using commercial off-the-shelf video games rather than custom-made computer games could have several advantages for reducing stress and anxiety, including their low cost, advanced graphics, and the possibility to reach millions of individuals worldwide. However, it is important to emphasize that not all commercial video games are equal, and their effects strongly depend on specific characteristics of the games. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to describe the literature on the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games for diminishing stress and anxiety, examining the research outcomes along with critical variables related to computer game characteristics (ie, genre, platform, time of play). Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The search databases were PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, IEEExplore, and the Cochrane Library. The search string was: [(“video game*”) OR (“computer game*”)] AND [(“stress”) OR (“anxiety”) OR (“relaxation”)] AND [(“study”) OR (“trial”) OR (“training”)]. Results A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for the publication period 2006-2021. The findings demonstrate the benefit of commercial off-the-shelf video games for reducing stress in children, adults, and older adults. The majority of the retrieved studies recruited young adults, and fewer studies have involved children, middle-aged adults, and older adults. In addition to exergames and casual video games, other genres of commercial off-the-shelf games helped to reduce stress and anxiety. Conclusions Efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety has been demonstrated not only for exergames and casual video games but also for other genres such as action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games. Various gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems, have been used with positive results. Finally, even single and short sessions of play had benefits in reducing stress and anxiety. Trial Registration International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols INPLASY202130081; https://inplasy.com/?s=INPLASY202130081

The Potential Impact of Adjunct Digital Tools and Technology to Help Distressed and Suicidal Men: An Integrative Review

“…A longitudinal approach to development and design, and greater heterogeneity are required for studies evaluating immersive digital interventions for children ( Davies and Bergin, 2021 ). A systematic review of the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games (i.e., exergames, casual video games, action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games used in consoles, PCs, smartphones, mobile consoles, and VR systems) suggested there is effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety ( Pallavicini et al, 2021 ).…”

Human-Computer Interaction in Digital Mental Health

“…A narrative review [128] and a systematic review [129] found efficacy for stress and anxiety reduction from the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games (i.e., exergames, casual video games, action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games used on various gaming platforms, including consoles, personal computers, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems). Although commercial video games have design features that instil a sense of flow [128], the systematic review acknowledged that custom-made games (i.e., for serious purposes like education, training, or behavior modification) better integrate biofeedback techniques for relaxation and are more appropriate for adults in regard to their stress and anxiety responses [129].…”

“…A narrative review [128] and a systematic review [129] found efficacy for stress and anxiety reduction from the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games (i.e., exergames, casual video games, action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games used on various gaming platforms, including consoles, personal computers, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems). Although commercial video games have design features that instil a sense of flow [128], the systematic review acknowledged that custom-made games (i.e., for serious purposes like education, training, or behavior modification) better integrate biofeedback techniques for relaxation and are more appropriate for adults in regard to their stress and anxiety responses [129]. Future studies were suggested to include a diversity of age groups, a variety of video game genres, the most recent, popular and widely used gaming platforms, the amount of uses required for optimal effect, to follow methodological guidelines for reporting research findings, as well as to describe the individual characteristics of users (e.g., personality and cognitive ability) and their preferences for genre and gaming platform.…”

Digital Mental Health Amid COVID-19

“…A longitudinal approach to development and design as well as greater heterogeneity are required for studies evaluating digital psychological interventions [85]. A systematic review of the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games found there is efficacy for reducing stress and anxiety [86]. Video game genres included exergames, casual video games, action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games used on various gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems [86].…”

“…A systematic review of the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games found there is efficacy for reducing stress and anxiety [86]. Video game genres included exergames, casual video games, action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games used on various gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems [86]. An editorial on child and adolescent learnings of the current pandemic recommended future research designs to consider the strategic use of technology and remote learning in new educational approaches for diverse populations as well as to explain the factors that predict and improve resilience during adversity [87].…”