Casual video gaming can reduce depression and anxiety, study shows

[The Straight Story]

Casual video gaming can reduce depression and anxiety, study shows

A new clinical study has shown that casual gaming can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, it was revealed this week.

The study was commissioned by PopCap - makers of so-called 'casual' games such as Peggle and Bejeweled - but interestingly the company has sought to take a fairly rigorous scientific approach to proving that its video games are good for you.

Carried out at East Carolina University's Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic, the year-long controlled clinical study measured the effects of casual, family-friendly video games on subjects suffering from clinical depression. Nearly 60 subjects, half of whom served as a control group, were subjected to a range of psychophysiological, biochemical and psychological tests, which showed an average reduction in depression symptoms of 57% amongst the video game players vs the control.

“The results of this study clearly demonstrate the intrinsic value of certain casual games in terms of significant, positive effects on the moods and anxiety levels of people suffering from any level of depression,” stated Dr. Carmen Russoniello, Director of the Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic at ECU and the professor who oversaw the study.

http://tinyurl.com/4nhy3aa

[damntexdem]

1. But, but ,but . . . you mean: Grant Theft Auto may not have the same beneficial effects?

Whoda thunk it?

;-)