William Atkins
Friday, 21 August 2009 19:38
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
Questions pertaining to amount of time spent on the computer per week, and amount of time spent in social activities both on and off the computer were also asked.
Of the 562 people initially asked to participate in the study, 45.1% reported playing video games.
Specifically, of those reporting to be video-gamers, the females reported greater depression and lower health status than non-playing females.
Male video-gamers reported higher BMI (more overweight) and more hours generally using the Internet than non-playing male participants.
In both male and female video gamers, both reported using the Internet for social support more often than male and female non-gamesr. Both genders also were found to be more introverted (reserved and inward looking, as opposed to extroverted, or outgoing and assertive) than non-gamers.
[edited 9-23-09]
The conclusion, as contained in the paper’s abstract, states,
“A number of determinants distinguished video-game players from nonplayers, and these factors differed substantially between men and women. The data illustrate the need for further research among adults to clarify how to use digital opportunities more effectively to promote health and prevent disease.”
U.S. health communications specialist
James B. Weaver III (from the CDC’s National Center for Health Marketing, and Emory University) stated,
“As hypothesized, health-risk factors – specifically, a higher BMI and a greater number of poor mental-health days – differentiated adult video-game players from nonplayers. Video-game players also reported lower extraversion, consistent with research on adolescents that linked video-game playing to a sedentary lifestyle and overweight status, and to mental-health concerns.”
Page three contains further comments from Dr. Weaver, along with a commentary within the
American Journal of Preventive Medicine on his paper.
