Kevin Delgado
Research Mentor: Kathleen Ignatoski
Mentor Department: University of Michigan, Medicine
Author(s): Kevin Delgado, Kathleen Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 28
Abstract
This research project deals with how a video game named “Minecraft†could be beneficial to people who may be neurodivergent, more specifically, how Minecraft may be a form of relaxation and a way for those who are neurodivergent to be a stress-reliever. According to Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a PhD psychologist, those with neurodiversity tend to experience a higher level of social anxiety than neurotypical people. The goal of this research project would be to gain data that we have very little of on video games, such as ‘Minecraft’, and view if they have mental benefits for those who may be under heavy stress and/or neurodivergent. Although some may not be neurodivergent, many people can benefit from this project, as many face similar challenges regardless of whether they are neurodivergent or not, such as anxiety and anxiety attacks. The data being collected would identify the impact that Minecraft can have on the students at the University of Michigan. Before a person engages in playing Minecraft, they will take a short survey asking if they are neurodivergent, their stress/anxiety levels, and their happiness. At the end of a person’s playing time, they would complete a post survey, comparing the levels of anxiety and happiness after they had a chance to play. The data that is being collected would be crucial, as it would be able to track levels of anxiety and happiness in those who are and are not neurodivergent, and whether or not Minecraft has a positive benefit.
