A Videogame for Stress ManagementEffects of physical similarity between the player and game character on learning how to manage stress

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1679_CGAT33

Authors: Younbo Jung and Vivian Chen Hsueh Hua

Abstract:

In this study we investigated the effects of physical similarity between the player and game character on game experience and knowledge gain in the context of educational videogame for stress management. A flash-based videogame to educate stress management was developed for the study. Results (n= 74) showed that physical similarity had a marginally significant effect on knowledge gain. Overall, participants who played the educational videogame showed improvement in their knowledge on stress management measured three times:prior to / right after game play and two weeks after game play. Implications with respect to the potential of videogames as educational tools are discussed.

Keywords: videogames; education; serious games; stress management; similarity attraction