Basic psychological needs of 10-13-olds in offline cooperative video games
Haapaniemi, Susanna (2025)
2025
Psykologian maisteriohjelma - Master's Programme in Psychology
Yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta - Faculty of Social Sciences
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-02-24
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202502212366
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202502212366
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this study was to examine how two cooperative games with different levels of social interdependence affect players' satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs and communication satisfaction. The study is based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT). It was hypothesized that the low interdependence game would better support players' needs for autonomy and competence, while the high interdependence game would increase communication satisfaction and relatedness satisfaction but also increase need frustration.
The study involved 51 children (41 boys, 10 girls) aged 10–13 years. Participants played two cooperative games, one with high and one with low interdependence, and completed questionnaires after each game situation. The questionnaires measured the players’ satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs and communication satisfaction.
The results showed no statistically significant differences between the games in terms of players' satisfaction of autonomy and competence needs. Only relatedness satisfaction was higher in the high interdependence game, but the effect size was small. There were no significant differences in autonomy frustration or relatedness frustration between the games, but players experienced more competence frustration in the low interdependence game, possibly due to challenges regarding game controller. Communication satisfaction did not differ significantly between the games, but game order influenced satisfaction, with higher satisfaction for the second game played.
The study highlights the important role of easy-to-use game controllers and the potential of cooperative games to support positive peer relationships. Future research should combine more diverse research methods, such as observations and interviews, and larger sample sizes. The study provides valuable insights for game developers and future research, particularly regarding the impact of game controllers and gaming order on players' experiences.
The study involved 51 children (41 boys, 10 girls) aged 10–13 years. Participants played two cooperative games, one with high and one with low interdependence, and completed questionnaires after each game situation. The questionnaires measured the players’ satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs and communication satisfaction.
The results showed no statistically significant differences between the games in terms of players' satisfaction of autonomy and competence needs. Only relatedness satisfaction was higher in the high interdependence game, but the effect size was small. There were no significant differences in autonomy frustration or relatedness frustration between the games, but players experienced more competence frustration in the low interdependence game, possibly due to challenges regarding game controller. Communication satisfaction did not differ significantly between the games, but game order influenced satisfaction, with higher satisfaction for the second game played.
The study highlights the important role of easy-to-use game controllers and the potential of cooperative games to support positive peer relationships. Future research should combine more diverse research methods, such as observations and interviews, and larger sample sizes. The study provides valuable insights for game developers and future research, particularly regarding the impact of game controllers and gaming order on players' experiences.