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Are video games detrimental to mental health? Contrary to common assumptions, a recent study from Oxford University challenges this narrative. The research conducted by Oxford scholars indicates that extensive video game engagement has little bearing on the mental well-being of adult players.

Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the study, which observed 414 gamers across the United States and the United Kingdom over a 12-week period, utilized 2,036 surveys to track playing habits, primarily on Xbox platforms, and evaluate overall well-being. Surprisingly, the findings reveal that heightened playing time does not correlate with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, The Star reported.

"These results support the growing body of evidence that playtime is not the primary factor in the relationship between gaming and mental health for the majority of players and that research focus should be on the context and quality of gameplay instead," stated the study.

Prior investigations into gaming duration and mental health yielded inconclusive results. While some studies suggested a link between excessive gaming and anxiety or depression, others failed to establish a significant correlation. Interestingly, certain research even suggested that video games could serve as a beneficial outlet for stress relief, akin to a cathartic tool.

"Gaming is successfully used as a strategy to recover from or cope with day-to-day stressors, to compensate for lacking or thwarted opportunities to satisfy basic psychological needs in everyday life, or even to contribute to personal psychological growth and increased resilience."

The researchers contend that time spent gaming holds little sway, whether positively or negatively, over mental well-being. Their conclusion suggests that, at a population level, typical variations in playtime among adult gamers lack practical significance regarding well-being, irrespective of content, context, or individual player attributes.