How Psychology and Game design intersect for transformation

Authors

  • Tina Marie del Rosario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/recibe.v14i3.484

Keywords:

game design, Psychology, transformation, narrative therapy, Flow theory, mental well-being

Abstract

This paper explores the profound parallels between therapeutic processes and game design, framing both as structured journeys toward transformation. By analyzing key psychological concepts such as Flow Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy within the context of digital play, it is discussed how game mechanics can serve as tools for emotional growth, identity exploration, and mental well-being. Through examples like Gris, Celeste, and Mulaka, it is examined the potential for game developers to create experiences that transcend entertainment, fostering resilience and cultural pride in players worldwide.

References

Csikszentmihalyi, M., Abuhamdeh, S., & Nakamura, J. (2014). Flow. In Flow and the foundations of positive psychology: The collected works of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pp. 227-238). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Fligstein, N. (2001). Social skill and the theory of fields. Sociological theory, 19(2), 105-125.

Greenberg, L. S. (2004). Emotion–focused therapy. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy: An International Journal of Theory & Practice, 11(1), 3-16.

Mainemelis, C., & Ronson, S. (2006). Ideas are born in fields of play: Towards a theory of play and creativity in organizational settings. Research in organizational behavior, 27, 81-131.

Kirkman, M. (2002). What's the plot? Applying narrative theory to research in psychology. Australian Psychologist, 37(1), 30-38.

Yang, L. W., Aggarwal, P., & McGill, A. L. (2020). The 3 C's of anthropomorphism: Connection, comprehension, and competition. Consumer Psychology Review, 3(1), 3-19.

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Published

2026-01-30

How to Cite

del Rosario, T. M. (2026). How Psychology and Game design intersect for transformation. ReCIBE, Electronic Journal of Computing, Informatics, Biomedical and Electronics, 14(3), L8–6. https://doi.org/10.32870/recibe.v14i3.484