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    Exploring the positive psychological aspects of video-gaming: A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews

    Dolgobrodova, Katya (2016) Exploring the positive psychological aspects of video-gaming: A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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    Abstract

    This study aimed to investigate how video games can positively affect individuals, and how they perceive this experience. Because technology is becoming more integrated into our lives, it is important to investigate how we interact and relate to such media (Woolgar, 2002). Because of the discourse in wider society of games as harmful and negative, researchers have increasingly been looking at ways in which this popular activity can benefit us (Murphy et al (2014). The meaning that individuals ascribe to immersive worlds such as video games interact with how we perceive and transform reality (Ryan, 2001). This study involved five interviews looking at social relationships, immersion, and skills developed in video games. Following thematic analysis of the data, several overarching themes have been found to form the positive influences of video games. The four main positive aspects have been conceptualised as themes: the social aspect of games, confidence building, desire for transcendence and immersion, and creativity which has emerged as a new theme, not commonly reported in previous research. We should note the interaction between the real and the virtual world rather than see them as separate spaces.

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