The Psychology Podcast 27: How Video Games Can Make Us SuperBetter
18 snips
Oct 11, 2015 
Jane McGonigal, a bestselling author and video game designer, shares her research on the positive effects of video gaming. They discuss how games can fight depression and PTSD, encourage creativity, and help achieve real-world goals. Jane shares her struggle with a traumatic brain injury that led to the creation of the game SuperBetter. They also cover topics like post-ecstatic growth, finding your passion, gamifying your life, the importance of struggle, and well-being.
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Play Opposes Depression
- The opposite of play is depression, not work.
- Games activate psychological needs that reduce depression and increase engagement.
Concussion Sparked SuperBetter
- Jane described a prolonged concussion that caused severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
- She used game design research to create SuperBetter and cope with recovery.
Growth From Challenge, Not Just Trauma
- Post-traumatic growth and post-ecstatic growth share benefits like new priorities and resilience.
- Challenging chosen pursuits can yield similar growth without trauma.