The Gaming Persona
Daniel Kaufmann Ph.D. | Dr. Gameology
Welcome to The Gaming Persona, a unique podcast that traverses the exciting crossroads of gaming and mental health. With your host, Dr. Gameology, peel back the layers of the gaming world to discover its profound impact on our cognitive and emotional health. You'll understand how video games, far from being mere entertainment, can act as powerful tools for personal growth, stress relief, and mental resilience. Join fellow gamers and enthusiasts in thought-provoking discussions, unraveling the intricacies of game design, the psychology of gaming, and the surprising ways in which these elements influence our well-being. Immerse yourself in The Gaming Persona, the one-of-a-kind podcast that seamlessly blends the worlds of video gaming and mental health. Guided by our resident (but not evil) expert, Dr. Gameology, we endeavor to unlock the untapped potential of gaming as a catalyst for enhancing our mental resilience, stimulating personal growth, and promoting stress relief. The Gaming Persona is fascinated by the intricacies of game design, exploring the careful balance of challenges, rewards, narratives, and immersion that makes video games captivating experiences. Through engaging discussions, we illuminate the psychological aspects of gaming – the motivations, the emotional connections, and the gratification that players derive from their virtual adventures. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We also examine the transformative potential of video games on our mental landscapes. Drawing from a wide swath of research, anecdotal evidence, and personal experiences, we highlight how gaming helps shape cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and social skills. The Gaming Persona is more than just a podcast. It's a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to gain a new perspective on gaming - not as a mere hobby or a form of escapism, but as a powerful medium of self-improvement and well-being. Each episode of our show is meticulously crafted to provide a balanced blend of immersive storytelling, engaging discussions, and knowledge-packed content. We delve into the heart of game design, unraveling the intricate weave of elements that make video games a compelling form of entertainment and a profound tool for personal development.But we're not just about games. We're about you, the gamer. The Gaming Persona aims to cast a fresh light on the psychological facets of gaming that resonate with players. We decode the motivations, the emotional bonds, and the sense of fulfillment that gamers derive from their digital exploits. And it doesn't end there. As you tune in week after week, you'll discover the transformative power of gaming on cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social connections. You'll hear from researchers, mental health professionals, game developers, and fellow gamers who share their insights, experiences, and personal anecdotes.Imagine a podcast that can simultaneously entertain, educate, inspire, and challenge your perspectives. That's The Gaming Persona for you. By making us a part of your weekly routine, you're embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, all while indulging in your love for video games.So, if you're ready to challenge the status quo and explore the intersection of gaming and mental health, join Dr. Gameology and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on this enlightening journey. So, why wait? Subscribe to The Gaming Persona today. Challenge your perspectives, enrich your mind, and game your way to mental resilience. With each episode, you won't just be playing; you'll be growing, learning, and evolving. Subscribe to The Gaming Persona now, and game your way to a healthier mind.#gaming #mentalhealth #thegamersjourney #wellbeing #gameology #gamingpersona #podcast #gamerlife #gamingcommunity #healthygaming #healthygamer #psychologyofgaming #continuethejourney
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 11, 2022 • 48min
Persona - The Psychology Of The Phantom Thieves
Send us a textThe Persona games are a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei JRPG series, and this game centers on the Phantom Thieves. The games focus on the journey of these high school students as they use their personas, creatures born from their minds, to explore the depths of their psyches. Along the way, they must face their demons and prevent impending doom. While the tone of these games can be dark, they also contain plenty of humor and lighthearted moments. They create a perfect blend of anime storytelling with psychology approaching mythological styles of conflict. In this episode, Dr. Gameology brings back his friend from many games, Gene, to explore the impacts and insights to be found from playing this beloved franchise. They explore the societal lessons, psychological themes, and the personal impact these games have had on their journey through their college years and life challenges.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Jul 4, 2022 • 50min
Ninja Player Types And Street Fighter
Send us a textNinjas prefer difficult challenges, but they also desire fast-paced decision making and competition. For them, video games are regarded as a testing ground for their abilities and intellect. In-game progression isn’t as important to ninjas as it is to most other player types. It is all about skill-based mastery, not in-game advancement. They're quick and nimble, and they like games that let them put their reflexes to the test. Games such as Street Fighter and League of Legends are perfect for the ninja player type. This episode of The Gaming Persona features Dr. Gameology and Jenny reviewing what it was like playing Street Fighter V head-to-head for their new Patreon bonuses. They run down what it takes to be a serious contender and make a mark on a worldwide game community. Tune in!Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 12min
The Quarry - Player Choice & Games With Multiple Endings
Send us a textThe Quarry has been released this month! This decision-based video game with multiple endings features teenagers in a spooky campground trying to survive until the end of the night. Our guest host for the week, Gene Wong, joins Dr. Gameology to review some of their most memorable gaming memories with stories we play using our choices on the screen. Since Gene and Dr. Kaufmann have an extensive background in playing games together, they review how these games have given them goals to fulfill and leaderboards to climb. Player types continue to be a constant force on the show as well, as we explore Gene's Bard/Acrobat tendencies. Research on how game choices are structured gets covered to identify the many different ways player choice and multiple endings shape some of the most exciting narratives in the past two decades of video game storytelling.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Jun 20, 2022 • 52min
Black Mage Spells for Powerful Mental Health
Send us a textDr. Gameology and Jenny discuss some of the most powerful mental health spells they have learned form their time in Final Fantasy XIV Online. This episode shares a tribute specifically to the Black Mage class, and how the metaphorical lessons in how we play fit into our daily lives.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Jun 13, 2022 • 60min
Streaming Games, Online Harassment & Mental Health With Dr. Michelle Fynan
Send us a textFemale gamers often report experiencing harassment during their times of playing video games online. For this episode, the Gaming Persona welcomes Dr. Michelle Fynan and her expertise on sex therapy issues to explore insights from recent research findings on why people watch streamers, and why it feels acceptable to behave poorly on the internet.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
Jun 6, 2022 • 1h 8min
Welcome To The Psychology Of The Lands Between
Send us a textThere is a new game in town, and this year, it has become one of the most popular games released so far. Elden Ring is a Souls Style game published by From Software that gives the players a vast open world, the opportunity to build characters of various classes, weapon choices, and stat selection, and an intense difficulty curve to master en route to becoming Elden Lord. In this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny welcome their friend Wes also known as Baron von Dank, from the Alea Iacta Est Guild (AIE) to talk about how to have a healthy gaming persona in The Lands Between while recounting some of their memories of playing Final Fantasy XIV and Elden Ring. They dive deep into psychology, discussing the importance of having good mental health while existing in this space, as well as the challenges they faced and the strengths they gained from playing the game that shone through in others. Plus, they explore with us the characters and the storyline of Elden Ring, sharing their discoveries and insights on the gaming world as a whole. Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
May 25, 2022 • 1h 3min
Couples Who Game Together In-Game Die (& Win) Together
Send us a textCooperative gaming experiences for couples are extremely rare. One game that focuses on this experience is the local coop game, It Takes Two. It Takes Two was the winner of the Video Game Awards 2021 Game of the Year. The game features a married couple who are sucked into an imaginative and dangerous version of their own home life to battle the fears of their daughter who has just learned about her parents are getting a divorce. Every challenge in this game requires both players to work together, while also providing a narrative discussion on healthy marriages and repairing damaged relationships. Join Dr. Gameology and Jenny as they talk to, none other than the wife of Dr. Gameology, Julia Kaufmann. She comes on the show to discuss what it is like playing this game with her own husband. She also gives us an in-person opportunity to review the Gardener Player type and other scientific studies on how games interface with marriages between players and non-players.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
May 21, 2022 • 53min
Mobile Games Are Video Games Too! How Games Can Affect Your Life In Positive Ways
Send us a textDid you know that mobile games can help boost mental health? Dr. Gameology and Jenny review some of the mobile games they are currently playing. They give special mention Pokemon Go, Candy Crush, and other games that had a tremendous impact on mobile gaming. It’s interesting to dive into the psychological insights of the mobile gaming experience. Examples include the experiences of boredom, apathy, anxiety, and satisfying fulfillment in the way we connect with these games. Tune in to learn more!Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
May 11, 2022 • 38min
Archetypes and Our Gaming Heroes
Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny review the concept of archetypes and apply them to characters from various video games. This Jungian concept has been applied to all forms of literature and media with characterizations of different heroic traits and personal aspirations. We start first with the psychological concept, and then move into video game centric perspectives on the research of gaming experiences. This conversation helps players notice deeper connections between themselves and the heroes they enjoy carrying through the conflict of their favorite gaming stories. We can always apply these ideas to the way we seek to handle our challenges in our lives when we become inspired by the paths to success we can witness in video games.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
May 3, 2022 • 1h 17min
It's All About the Game & How You Play It
Send us a textFor this episode, Dr. Gameology and Jenny review the variables being measured by a different motivation scale used by psychologists to understand gaming motivations. Metaphorical connections are shared relating to how we play Elden Ring from a place of confidence or from a place of fear. A special mention goes out to the moment Doc recites the lyrics to Triple H's entrance theme and what it has meant to him as a wrestling fan and as a therapist all of these years.Finally, the episode reviews the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for Video Game Disorder and connects this with a specific study that indicated being male and having school behavior issues are two significant risk factors in their analysis for fulfilling all three criteria for this mental health disorder. In true Gaming Persona fashion, Doc and Jenny continue to share life experiences on where these ideas work as well as in which situations they may not be accomplishing their overall goals of maintaining a health-centered world.Support the showIf you would like to support the show and help us unlock additional possibilities for future episodes and projects, this can now be done through Patreon!You can watch us play games LIVE and join our communities to get more connection from every episode: DrGameology on Twitch - Continue the Journey LIVE in 2025!! MarcusB814 on YouTube - BOOMBA Subscribe on YouTube for more content on the Psychology of Gaming or Follow on Twitch to catch the Live Streams! For more info, check out DrGameology.com!More Links Here!Thanks for Listening, and Continue The Journey!
