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PopCap, an online gaming company with a base in Ireland, commissioned research
from the University of East Carolina in order to test the effect of casual
video games on participants' stress levels and mood ratings. Results were calculated
using state of the art technologies that measured heart rate variability (HRV),
electroencephalography (EEG) and subjects' mood states pre- and post-activity.
In all cases, the changes in stress levels and mood were measured in comparison
to a control group that experienced a web-based activity similar in physical
and mental nature to the game-playing groups. Bejeweled in particular was found
to be stress reducing while Peggle and Bookworm Adventures did not reduce subjects'
physical stress levels significantly but did affect psychological tension,
depression and other aspects of mood, in some cases dramatically. Peggle had
the greatest effect on psychological tension, with study subjects who played
that game averaging a 66% reduction compared to a 36% reduction among those
who played Bejeweled 2 and a 24% reduction among players of Bookworm Adventures.
Specifically with respect to Peggle, female subjects accounted for two thirds
of the overall reduction in tension after playing that game. Bejeweled 2 and
Peggle had similarly positive effects on subjects' anger levels, reducing anger by 65% and 63%, respectively. Bookworm Adventures had a more modest
effect, reducing anger by 33%. Among female subjects, Peggle produced the greatest
anger reduction at 86%. Men experienced the greatest reduction of anger while
playing Bejeweled 2 at 63%.
So there's the proof - computer games can be beneficial. Bejeweled, Peggle and
Bookworm Adventures are available on the HeadsUp
website for your entertainment and mental well-being!
Enjoy.
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