Playing online videogames—more than just entertainment? A qualitative study of virtual social participation in persons with spinal cord injury

Front. Rehabil. Sci., 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1395678 · Published: May 16, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Telehealth & Digital Health Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) use online video games to connect with others and participate in social activities. It looks at the challenges they face and the benefits they experience when using games as a social platform. The research involved interviewing seven individuals with SCI who actively use online games for socializing. The interviews focused on their experiences, the obstacles they encounter, and the positive aspects of gaming as a form of social interaction. The findings suggest that online video games can be a valuable tool for people with SCI to maintain social connections, expand their social networks, and overcome physical and social barriers. However, negative attitudes from others and limited awareness of the social benefits of gaming can pose challenges.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

7 male participants with Spinal Cord Injury aged 15-35

Evidence Level

Qualitative Study

Key Findings

1
Participants used videogames to overcome physical and mental barriers to social interaction, such as neurological pain, lack of wheelchair accessible environments and long hospital admissions.
2
Participants faced negative attitudes from others, including parents and healthcare professionals, who did not understand the social value of online videogames.
3
Participants found that online videogames helped them to maintain contact with friends and family, make new connections, and expand their social network, even internationally.

Research Summary

This study investigated the experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using online videogames as a means of social participation. Through qualitative interviews, the study explored the challenges and benefits of virtual socialization for this population. The findings revealed that online videogames can serve as an important tool for maintaining and expanding social networks, especially during times when physical interaction is limited due to physical barriers or social restrictions. Participants highlighted the importance of videogames in fostering connections with friends and family. The study also identified negative attitudes and a lack of awareness regarding the social value of videogames among healthcare professionals and the broader community, emphasizing the need for greater recognition and facilitation of virtual socialization in rehabilitation and healthcare settings.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Integration

Healthcare professionals should consider integrating videogames into rehabilitation programs to facilitate social interaction and improve patient well-being.

Public Awareness

Public awareness campaigns can help to dispel negative attitudes toward gaming and promote understanding of its social benefits.

Accessible Design

Game developers and healthcare providers should collaborate to create accessible gaming equipment and environments for individuals with physical disabilities.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of seven male participants, limiting generalizability.
2
The study only performed one focus group interview, thus saturation may not have been reached.
3
Potential bias due to participants having prior positive experiences with videogames as a means for social participation.

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