"A new study has confirmed that video game avatars can have huge mental health benefits for trans and nonbinary people. While some games offer more benefits than others and there are often limitations, the study found that video games can provide a safe space for people to explore their gender identity. "Findings highlight avatar customization as a unique mechanism for exploring, expressing, and affirming gender identity for TGD [trans and gender diverse] players with positive impact on wellbeing," the researchers said."
"The researchers noted two facets of the video game experience that can enhance the potential for gender exploration and euphoria. The first is higher levels of customization, where different physical effects can be achieved. This is particularly true in narrative games with greater role-playing components, which can be more immersive and allow people to react to the player-designed character more directly. The other central benefit for TGD folks is having a space for other players online to affirm their gender based on their in-game avatar."
Video game avatars provide safe spaces for trans and nonbinary people to explore and express gender identity, reducing gender dysphoria and increasing gender euphoria when avatars align with desired identity and expression. Higher levels of avatar customization and narrative role-playing enhance immersion and enable varied physical presentations. Online multiplayer environments allow other players to affirm in-game gender presentation, supporting wellbeing. Limitations include insufficient customization options and a lack of nonbinary gender choices in some games. A synthesis of empirical studies since 2013 indicates that games can offer lower-risk opportunities for identity exploration compared with the physical world.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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