Exploring the Role of Action Mechanics in Game-Based Stress Recovery
summary
Sixty participants undergo a stress induction then play a modded Risk of Rain 2 for 15 minutes across three conditions: Combat-Required, Combat-Optional, Combat-Free. Self-report and physiology (heart rate, electrodermal activity) show all conditions return stress to baseline, but trade-offs emerge: Combat-Free yields the largest relaxation and heart-rate drop, while conditions with action mechanics raise electrodermal arousal yet increase perceived mastery and control. Choice of game mechanics therefore depends on whether relaxation or reasserting competence is the recovery goal.
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