Citation:
Morgan H, O'Donovan A, Almeida R, Lin A, Perry Y. The Role of the Avatar in Gaming for Trans and Gender Diverse Young People. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(22):1-11.
Keywords:
avatar; gaming; gender identity; gender questioning; serious games; trans and gender diverse
Abstract:
A significant proportion of trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people report membership of the gaming community and resultant benefits to wellbeing. To date their experiences and needs regarding a key feature of games, the avatar, are largely unexplored, despite increasing interest in the therapeutic role of avatars in the general population. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of the avatar in gaming, its impact on TGD young people's mental health, and their unique needs regarding avatar design.
The Role of the Avatar in Gaming for Trans and Gender Diverse Young People
A significant proportion of trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people report membership of the gaming community and resultant benefits to wellbeing. To date their experiences and needs regarding a key feature of games, the avatar, are largely unexplored, despite increasing interest in the therapeutic role of avatars in the general population. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of the avatar in gaming, its impact on TGD young people's mental health, and their unique needs regarding avatar design.