The Play's the Thing: A Clinical-Developmental Perspective on Video Games
In this article, computer and video games are discussed as electronic play. Major perspectives on play and salient developmental issues are presented, along with similarities and differences between electronic play and other types of play. The authors consider possible benefits and risks associated with this type of play, with particular attention paid to cognitive and socioemotional development. Recommendations for clinicians in their work with children, adolescents, and parents are discussed, as are future directions for research.
aHarvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452, USA
bDepartment of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Corresponding author. Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452
This project was supported by grant no. 2003-JN-FX-0078 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the United States Department of Justice.
ABSTRACT