澳大利亚一项研究表明，电子游戏对母亲缓解育儿压力具有显著效果。这项调查对38位自认为游戏玩家的母亲进行了访问，发现89%的母亲表示游戏帮助她们放松，71%的母亲在游戏后压力明显减少[1]。此外，71%的母亲表示独自游戏改善了心理健康[1]。
研究者采用压力恢复框架的四个维度来分析游戏对母亲的影响，包括心理脱离、放松、新技能掌握和控制感[1]。调查显示，65%的母亲最喜欢独自游戏[1]，80%的母亲在PC或游戏机上进行游戏[1]。这些母亲玩的游戏类型多样，包括《口袋妖怪》《我的世界》《马里奥赛车》《辐射4》和《刺客信条》等[1]。澳大利亚74%的家庭至少拥有两台游戏设备，为母亲提供了便利的游戏条件[1]。
然而，研究也指出了游戏体验面临的挑战。育儿责任、内疚感和社会性别期待对母亲的游戏体验和掌控感造成了限制[1]。研究建议改变对母亲角色的认知，同时呼吁游戏开发者设计更灵活的游戏产品，以适应母亲的实际生活需求[1]。
An Australian study of 38 mothers who identified as gamers has found that video games serve as an effective stress-relief tool for managing the demands of parenting.[1] The research applied a stress recovery framework examining four key dimensions: psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery of new skills, and sense of control.[1]
The findings reveal substantial mental health benefits among participants. A total of 71% of mothers reported that solo gaming improved their psychological well-being, while 89% stated that gaming helped them relax and 71% reported reduced stress levels after gaming sessions.[1] Most mothers—65%—preferred gaming alone, and 80% played on personal computers or gaming consoles.[1] Popular titles among the sample included Pokémon, Minecraft, Mario Kart, Fallout 4, and Assassin's Creed.[1] The research reflects gaming's prevalence in Australian households, where 74% of families own at least two gaming devices.[1]
However, the study identified significant barriers limiting mothers' gaming experiences and sense of control. Parenting responsibilities, feelings of guilt, and societal gender expectations constrained how often and how freely mothers could engage with games.[1] The researchers emphasize the need to reshape cultural perceptions of motherhood and suggest that game developers consider designing more flexible gaming experiences tailored to mothers' practical needs and time constraints.[1]
