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@article{Hou:2026:10.2196/89304,
author = {Hou, C and Tam, W and Rahmadianty, A and Rajendra, P and Eisingerich, A},
doi = {10.2196/89304},
journal = {Journal of Medical Internet Research},
title = {The effects of open-world and fun/accessible games on perceived loneliness and stoicism in adults: cross-sectional survey study},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/89304},
volume = {14},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Background: Loneliness has been linked to reduced mental and physical health. The “loneliness epidemic” is recognized as a public health crisis. Yet, questions remain about the potential of video games that people play by themselves to help reduce perceived loneliness.Objective: This study explored the extent to which open-world games (e.g., The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) and fun, accessible games (e.g., Yoshi’s Crafted World) can help reduce loneliness in adults. We examined how such gameplay can foster a stoic approach to life, and how stoicism mediates the reduction of perceived loneliness.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling near a video game store. The sample comprised 2,252 adults aged 21 and older (women: n=966, 42.90%; men: n=1,281, 56.90%; prefer not to disclose: n=5, 0.20%). Participants completed a questionnaire to measure perceived loneliness and stoicism, and their gameplay habits. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and moderated mediation with PROCESS macro (bootstrapped samples=5000; 95% CI) to examine the effects of video gameplay on stoicism and loneliness, with alpha level set at .05.Results: Zelda players indicated higher stoicism (M = 4.87; 95% CI 4.66 to 5.08) than non-players (M = 3.23; 95% CI 3.09 to 3.37; F(1, 2252) = 164.95, P < .001). Yoshi players also noted significantly higher stoicism (M = 4.49; 95% CI 4.27 to 4.72) than non-players (M = 3.61; 95% CI 3.50 to 3.71; F(1, 2252) = 48.33, P < .001), with a significant interaction effect (F(1, 2252) = 7.89, P = .005) on stoicism. Furthermore, Zelda players indicated lower loneliness (M = 3.02; 95% CI 2.81 to 3.22) than non-players (M = 4.28; 95% CI 4.14 to 4.42; F(1, 2252) = 98.32, P < .001). Yoshi players also noted significantly lower loneliness (M = 3.09; 95% CI 2.86 to 3.32) than non-players (M = 4.21; 95% CI 4.10 to 4.32; F(1, 2252) = 76.32, P < .001). Moderated mediation analysis demonstrate
AU - Hou,C
AU - Tam,W
AU - Rahmadianty,A
AU - Rajendra,P
AU - Eisingerich,A
DO - 10.2196/89304
PY - 2026///
SN - 1439-4456
TI - The effects of open-world and fun/accessible games on perceived loneliness and stoicism in adults: cross-sectional survey study
T2 - Journal of Medical Internet Research
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/89304
VL - 14
ER -