title: Cancer Survivors Who Play Recreational Computer Games: Motivations for Playing and Associations with Beneficial Psychological Outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Playing recreational videogames is a common activity, yet little is known about its role in the lives of people who are coping with serious illness. These individuals may experience depression and isolation and may turn to games to help alleviate negative experiences and support well-being. We explored these possibilities in the context of cancer survivors. The study aimed to discover motivations underlying game play and the extent to which motivations are associated with psychological health and well-being.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of survivors who play recreational games (N = 794). Key variables were motivations and indicators of psychological health, including self-efficacy in cancer communications, resilient coping, and beliefs that one is living a fulfilling and meaningful life (flourishing).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were most likely to be motivated to play for stimulation and a sense of accomplishment (intrinsic rewards), followed by development of self, sense of community, and personal affirmation. Multiple regression analyses revealed positive associations between playing for intrinsic rewards and all three psychological health outcomes. Playing for a sense of community was also positively associated with coping and flourishing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Playing recreational videogames, particularly to receive intrinsic rewards and to connect with others, may play a supportive role in the psychological health of survivors. Findings suggest future areas for research and implications for development of serious games.
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Maria Leonora G
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Comello
authors.affiliation: 2 Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
authors.forename: Diane B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Laura Heisner
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Deanna R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Puglia
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012201:Reward; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D018910:Video Games / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*