UCC study finds Dungeons and Dragons can be good for mental health

Playing Dungeons and Dragons can benefit mental health, a new study at University College Cork (UCC) has found.

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game that has become a global phenomenon, and is a social activity, requiring frequent group meetings and creativity and collaboration.

After the game surged in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, the study investigated the impact of playing D&D on the mental health of frequent players and identified several key aspects, including escapism, exploration of self, creative expression, providing for others, social support and routine.

Control

Orla Walsh, study lead and PhD researcher in UCC School of Applied Psychology, explained that “players reported feeling a strong sense of control in-game during times when they felt they did not have control outside of the game.

“Whilst many hobbies may allow for creative expression, D&D uniquely allows players to collaboratively build and inhabit worlds of their creation,” she said.

“The social support nurtured by playing D&D gives players emotional and social connection and offers them a space in which they can express themselves freely.”

The study indicates D&D has significant potential to be utilised in a therapeutic setting, as players felt more comfortable exploring problems and practising skills in a space that was separate from the real-world.

Benefits

Study participants reported benefits in their everyday lives from playing the game, including an increased sense of autonomy and personal growth.

Dr Conor Linehan, UCC School of Applied Psychology, said the study suggests that a wider rolling-out of such therapeutic role-playing groups may be of benefit in Ireland and across the globe.