Improvement of Game Users' Depressive Symptoms via Behavioral Activation in a Massive Multiplayer Online Game: Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Online games developed to improve mental health symptoms are reportedly effective among game users. However, it has not been verified whether massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs) developed for leisure purposes are effective in improving users' mental health symptoms.

Objective

Based on 2 theoretical frameworks, this study examined whether MMOGs improve depression and social anxiety. First, behavioral activation theory posits that depressive symptoms improve through the repetition of reward-linked behaviors. Second, inhibitory learning theory suggests that exposure to social stimuli (eg, being the center of attention) previously perceived as threatening reduces fear responses over time.

Methods

Participants were Pigg Party users with at least 3 months of

SUBMITTER: Yokotani K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12459738 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature