Coping with COVID-19 pandemic stressors: Comparisons between non-players and players, and levels of Game Transfer Phenomena

During the COVID-19 pandemic, video game playing increased exponentially. The question if playing could offer benefits to cope with the pandemic stressors emerged. This study compares how non-players and players who may or may not have incorporated game content in everyday context [i.e., experienced Game Transfer Phenomena (GTP)] cope with the pandemic stressors, emotion regulation and resilience. It also examines the impact of GTP on the perception of self and the world. A total of 567 completed a survey (59.6 % male, Mean(Age) = 28.55). The measures include emotional regulation (ERC), resilience to stress (BRCS) and fear of contamination (PI). No differences between players and non-players on ERC, BRCS and PI were found. Players with moderate GTP levels were more likely to report contamination fears and show preventive COVID coping behaviours. The positive impact of GTP was associated with high resilience and cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy. The results suggest that attention should be paid to players who experience GTP more frequently and with a negative impact. Maladaptive coping styles can exacerbate distress from GTP and situational stressors. Identifying methods of protecting vulnerable individuals from these psychological burdens can guide interventions and mitigate consequences in similar situations.