August 2020 PMID 32053021

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review.

Russell Pine, Theresa Fleming, Simon McCallum, Kylie Sutcliffe

Mentions

47
Peak: 6 in Apr 2020
across 7 sources since Apr 2020

Extended reach

171,645
potential audience

Total likes

6,338

Video views

79,511

Mentions per month

Apr 2020 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter26 posts
  • Instagram10 posts
  • News4 articles
  • Facebook3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • TikTok1 posts
  • Reddit1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions collectively reveal a positive reception towards the scientific review, with examples like references to specific studies and personal insights about feeling better through casual gaming. Words like 'credible,' 'promising,' and 'scientific' demonstrate enthusiasm, while some posts question practical realism, indicating a nuanced consideration of the research's implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts endorse the idea that casual video games can positively influence mental health, highlighting the scientific review as credible evidence, though some are cautious or curious about practical applications.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions show high curiosity, with mentions of personal experiences, scientific studies, and potential future implications, indicating strong engagement with the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts reference specific scientific studies, share personal anecdotes, and question the realism of applying research findings, reflecting a moderate but meaningful degree of thoughtful engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While not all discussions suggest immediate or broad change, several posts imply that the research could influence perceptions and future use of casual games for mental health management, suggesting moderate potential impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The article reviews research on how casual video games (CVGs) can potentially improve mental health issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood, especially since many people avoid traditional treatments.
  • A systematic search of relevant studies found 13 that looked at the effects of different CVGs, mostly focusing on anxiety, with some also addressing depression and stress.
  • The results suggest that casual video games could be a promising, easy-to-access supplementary tool for managing mental health symptoms.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Paweł
@GoshaZiomal · X

@PatriciusPK "Teraz zostawmy naukę i skupmy się na logice." Może jednak nie zostawiajmy nauki: https://t.co/L2lsV7n1aw https://t.co/PaqLEOktyF https://t.co/srmDtVukWS X nie jest obowiązkowy a Ty swoimi wypowiedziami krzywdzisz ludzi. Usuń to na litość boską

Nov 22, 2023 · 17 likes · 49 followers View post →
Matt Barton
@mattbarton · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journal https://t.co/VIzsrlFiT2

Apr 15, 2020 · 6 likes · 1 share · 2,637 followers View post →
Guillermo, @Dawntrail
@DrKuroGamer · X

@Levsnake https://t.co/CvOMqstHTJ

Sep 25, 2020 · 5 likes · 1 share · 38,134 followers View post →
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
@LiebertPub · X

A new study published in "Games for Health Journal" provides a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of casual videogames on #anxiety, #depression, #stress, and low mood. https://t.co/PGGpJMHrHl #CasualVideogames #MentalHealth @GamesforHealthJ https://t.co/qPcDURDvIp

Sep 13, 2020 · 3 likes · 1 share · 4,625 followers View post →
Petra Krantz Lindgren
@PetraKrantz · X

@FMannerheim @lenaewendel @moalkledin Jag har aldrig hört att dataspel innebär vila, men däremot återhämtning. (På samma sätt som vissa finner trädgårdarbete avkopplande, om än inte vilsamt.) Här är en länk till review från 2020: https://t.co/nAHyETGUFj Du kan nog hitta fler studier mha Google Scholar.

Dec 23, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,124 followers View post →
Andre Thomas
@athomas_tr · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journal https://t.co/owRU7tZxxS

Apr 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 947 followers View post →

All mentions

How Video Games Can Benefit Mental Health

This video explores the numerous mental and emotional benefits people have gained from playing video games. It highlights research supporting video games as a tool for enhancing mental wellness, particularly in treating…

GamerKevMo · Feb 24, 2024 79,023 views
Koji
@KojiADae · X

In my novel, Casual (check it out if you haven't), the MC uses casual video games to manage anxiety and depression. Is this realistic? Some sources say it may be: https://t.co/IG3rq8Lz0s But it would take us a lot of effort to get there -- and is it a place we want to go?

Jul 22, 2025 · 699 followers View post →
Edrei "May I Ask For 1 Final Monster Meat?" Zahari
@Kamigoroshi · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review https://t.co/hzYjT9NOHK

Mar 6, 2024 · 984 followers View post →
Paweł
@GoshaZiomal · X

@PatriciusPK "Teraz zostawmy naukę i skupmy się na logice." Może jednak nie zostawiajmy nauki: https://t.co/L2lsV7n1aw https://t.co/PaqLEOktyF https://t.co/srmDtVukWS X nie jest obowiązkowy a Ty swoimi wypowiedziami krzywdzisz ludzi. Usuń to na litość boską

Nov 22, 2023 · 17 likes · 49 followers View post →
George Kachergis
@kachergis · X

RT @skillprintco: Can casual video games be the answer to managing stress and anxiety?

Aug 4, 2023 · 1 share · 521 followers View post →
Skillprint
@skillprintco · X

Can casual video games be the answer to managing stress and anxiety?

Aug 3, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 50 followers View post →
Jessica Kathmann
@JessicaKathmann · X

@medienmonolog @GamePsychologe @BenFlavor Pine, R., Fleming, T., McCallum, S., & Sutcliffe, K. (2020). The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review. GAMES FOR HEALTH JOURNAL: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications, 9(4). doi: 10.1089/g4h.2019.0132

Apr 30, 2023 · 1 like · 699 followers View post →
Petra Krantz Lindgren
@PetraKrantz · X

@FMannerheim @lenaewendel @moalkledin Jag har aldrig hört att dataspel innebär vila, men däremot återhämtning. (På samma sätt som vissa finner trädgårdarbete avkopplande, om än inte vilsamt.) Här är en länk till review från 2020: https://t.co/nAHyETGUFj Du kan nog hitta fler studier mha Google Scholar.

Dec 23, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,124 followers View post →
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
@LiebertPub · X

New Virtual Issue! Games for Mental Health and Wellness Check out high-impact articles focused on the effect that #games can have on #mentalhealth and #wellness in @GamesforHealthJ: https://t.co/qQrbuFI5iR https://t.co/9CoYNpp5dx https://t.co/jqhM6I3tEw https://t.co/Ag60Qd2QLT https://t.co/5vOPqfQ22R

Aug 19, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 4,625 followers View post →
yann leroux
@yannleroux · X

2) Pine, R., Fleming, T., McCallum, S., & Sutcliffe, K. (2020). The effects of casual videogames on anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood: A systematic review. Games for Health Journal.

Aug 13, 2021 · 12,840 followers View post →
Kaptan Rush YT
@KaptanRushYT · X

@PMOIndia @narendramodi Sir, you should read all these research papers before giving a comment https://t.co/U2FDYJelFW https://t.co/3ak7v8Lf4s

Jun 25, 2021 · 30 followers View post →
Bermuda Island Games
@bdaislandgames · X

@stfucarly https://t.co/BAM9JYVgWm

Apr 2, 2021 · 324 followers View post →
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
@LiebertPub · X

Free Access! Read a top-read article published in @GamesforHealthJ: The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review https://t.co/Xu2P3noYEi #VideoGames #VideoGameApp #MentalHealth #GamesForHealth #Stress #Anxiety #Depression https://t.co/JbtbWowKjA

Mar 10, 2021 · 4,625 followers View post →
Madeleine & Maxi (Vanilla Noir)
@ByVanillaNoir · X

More and more studies emerge about the psychological benefits of video games. Will probably still take a few years to get away from the "video games are dangerous" narrative - but we're getting there. https://t.co/F8ZSUD50yx

Jan 21, 2021 · 38 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @Quemandoacromo: "The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety,Depression,Stress,and Low Mood : A Systematic Review" > https://t.co/eIS7X…

Oct 4, 2020 · 1 share · 6,685 followers View post →
Quemando[a]cromo
@Quemandoacromo · X

"The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety,Depression,Stress,and Low Mood : A Systematic Review" > https://t.co/eIS7XFegmV (vía @GamesforHealthJ) https://t.co/Ac92vbhL6K

Oct 4, 2020 · 1 share · 914 followers View post →
Games for Health Journal
@Games4HealthJ · X

RT @LiebertPub: A new study published in "Games for Health Journal" provides a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of…

Oct 2, 2020 · 1 share · 629 followers View post →
Adrian Rodríguez
@Norlo · X

RT @DrKuroGamer: @Levsnake https://t.co/CvOMqstHTJ

Sep 26, 2020 · 1 share · 251 followers View post →
dirty dogg
@MartinC4stro · X

ni pedo, no lo digo yo :D https://t.co/kObiZ1lznF

Sep 25, 2020 · 96 followers View post →
Guillermo, @Dawntrail
@DrKuroGamer · X

@Levsnake https://t.co/CvOMqstHTJ

Sep 25, 2020 · 5 likes · 1 share · 38,134 followers View post →
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
@LiebertPub · X

A new study published in "Games for Health Journal" provides a systematic review of the literature examining the effects of casual videogames on #anxiety, #depression, #stress, and low mood. https://t.co/PGGpJMHrHl #CasualVideogames #MentalHealth @GamesforHealthJ https://t.co/qPcDURDvIp

Sep 13, 2020 · 3 likes · 1 share · 4,625 followers View post →
Andre Thomas
@athomas_tr · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journal https://t.co/owRU7tZxxS

Apr 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 947 followers View post →
neirac
@CarlosN26157061 · X

RT @mattbarton: The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journ…

Apr 16, 2020 · 1 share · 238 followers View post →
Matt Barton
@mattbarton · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journal https://t.co/VIzsrlFiT2

Apr 15, 2020 · 6 likes · 1 share · 2,637 followers View post →
SystematicReviewBot
@EvidenceRobot · X

RT @dilan_shah: The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journ…

Apr 13, 2020 · 1 share · 6,685 followers View post →
dilan shah
@dilan_shah · X

The Effects of Casual Videogames on Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Low Mood: A Systematic Review | Games for Health Journal https://t.co/xXQLx4bOoE

Apr 13, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,743 followers View post →
Neal of All Cosmos
@nealbauer · X

A systematic review of casual videogames on anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood shines a bit of light on why I've been feeling so much better after weeks of being in lockdown. Thanks #DoomEternal #ResidentEvil3 #FF7Remake #Persona5Royal and science! https://t.co/1wzTNWoQcM

Apr 13, 2020 · 1 like · 1,727 followers View post →
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