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Review
. 2024 Mar 1:5:1343057.
doi: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1343057. eCollection 2024.

Video games and disability-a risk and benefit analysis

Hung Jen Kuo  1 , Michael Yeomans  1 , Derek Ruiz  2 , Chien-Chun Lin  3
Affiliations
Review

Video games and disability-a risk and benefit analysis

Hung Jen Kuo et al. Front Rehabil Sci. .

Abstract

Purpose: Over the past decades, video games have become a substantial part of the entertainment industry. While ubiquitous, video game participation remains low among people with disabilities amid potential negative effects. This article analyzes the risks and benefits that video games may present to individuals with disabilities.

Methodology: In this conceptual article, we explored the literature pertaining to video games and disability. To better understand the impact of video games on individuals with disabilities, we focused on the unique features of video games through the lens of the Self-Determination Theory.

Findings: Our findings show that individuals with disabilities are most at risk from excessive video game use, leading to increased aggression, sedentary behavior, and negative impact on academic performance. Identified benefits include promoting physical rehabilitation and psychological well-being, improving cognitive abilities and emotional regulation, and utility in promoting exercises, and managing chronic pain.

Originality: This article presents a number of strategies and resources to help guide individuals with disabilities, educators, practitioners, and researchers in maximizing the benefits of video games while controlling the risks.

Keywords: benefits; disability; motivation; rehabilitation; risks; self-determination theory; video games.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Self-Determination theory. The three elements, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, that drive people's motivation in self-determination theory.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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