Study found that tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons can enhance social interactions and self-esteem in autistic adults, offering a supportive and structured environment that helps alleviate social challenges.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuReviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Sep 1 2024 Discover how Dungeons & Dragons creates a transformative space where autistic adults can forge meaningful connections, boost self-esteem, and rewrite their personal narratives through the power of role-playing. Study: A critical hit: Dungeons and Dragons as a buff for autistic people. Image Credit: Esther H. Derksen / Shutterstock.
Social connection remains vital for the well-being of these individuals; however, traditional social environments can exacerbate masking behaviors, thereby leading to poor mental health outcomes. Shared hobbies, particularly those involving structured and interest-based activities like TTRPGs, offer the potential for meaningful social interaction and reduced masking.
The study cohort comprised four males, two females, one nonbinary, and one gender-fluid participant with diverse backgrounds, including American, British, and Brazilian nationalities. These individuals were divided into two groups of four players, each led by an experienced Game Master , to ensure optimal discussion and turn-taking during the sessions. Ethical approval was obtained from Edge Hill University and all study participants provided informed consent.
Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to capture the participants' lived experiences. Detailed and case-by-case analyses of the interview transcripts were performed by collaboratively identifying and organizing themes that reflected the participants' perspectives and experiences. More successful interactions in TTRPGs TTRPGs, particularly D&D, provided a more successful platform for social interaction. The study participants reported that TTRPGs offered a structured and collaborative environment that differed significantly from everyday social situations.
Bleed and emotional investment Some study participants enjoyed the opportunity to explore different aspects of their personality through characters in the game. This role-playing allowed these individuals to see the world from a new perspective, often leading to personal growth and understanding.
Bleeding Children Mental Health Research
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