Female gamers’ perceptions of their mental health influenced by the online gaming space

Abstract

Video games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment that can now allow for social bonds to be established and can contribute to an individual’s mental health. This thesis investigates female gamers, and their perceptions of how online gaming may affect their own mental health (n= 197). Previous research has found that female gamers are often treated differently in games based on their gender identity. Utilizing mixed methods, this study furthers the exploration of female gamers’ mental health as they interact with other players during online multiplayer games. Findings suggest that the purpose of the game interactions, views about the community, and the motivations of female gamers determine the effect that negative player-to-player interactions may have on their perceptions of stress levels, loneliness, and social support.