Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Education, Counseling
Date of Defense
4-16-2024
Graduate Advisor
Susan Kashubeck West
Committee
Emily Brown
Kishonna Gray
Phillip Waalkes
Abstract
With most of the global population engaging with video games, it is crucial to understand the relationship between gaming and the holistic health of players. However, counseling scholarship exploring the relationship between gaming technology and mental health is nascent. Moreover, ethical guidelines in counseling require professionals to further their awareness and competence while working with underrepresented populations (American Counseling Association; ACA, 2014). To address the preceding statements, this two-study dissertation focused on expanding awareness and clinical understanding of video game technology and human experience. The first study used quantitative methods to examine the relationship between race-related stress, motivations to play online video games, and psychological well-being for gamers of color. Results from this study revealed several significant interactions between racialized distress, motivations for online gaming, and psychological well-being. More specifically, gaming motives for recreational gameplay partially mediated the relationship between racialized distress and psychological well-being for gamers of color. The second study used qualitative methods to explore connectedness with Black Queer men who play video games. Findings from the second study underscored the capacity of video games and gaming communities to be beneficial for soothing distress and building life-enriching relationships. Additional insights, limitations, and suggestions for counseling educators, researchers, and practitioners are also discussed.
Recommended Citation
Rose, Breon, "Diverse Gamers: Resistance Through Video Gameplay" (2024). Dissertations. 1419.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1419