PTSD and Video Games?

[mrhappyface]

I have a relative who's been to Iraq twice and maybe going to Afghanistan soon. He's finds it uncomfortable to play "realistic" games such as Modern Warfare or watching movies like the Hurt Locker. So he prefers relaxing and slower paced games such as Rock Band. But some soldiers, who had similar experiences, like playing games such as Modern Warfare and Battlefield: Bad Company a lot. Why do you think that is?

 

[delet]

Different people deal with stress in different ways. Your relative doesn't want to think or relive his experiences, but other people are able to just accept these realistic games as something mindless to do, methinks.

 

[mrhappyface]

Different people deal with stress in different ways. Your relative doesn't want to think or relive his experiences, but other people are able to just accept these realistic games as something mindless to do, methinks.

So it's not weird or anything.

 

[xdgt]

I think they like to replay their experience with no real consequence as opposed to real life wars. The guys who steer away are just reminded of their bad experinces by the realism of such games.

 

[delet]

Different people deal with stress in different ways. Your relative doesn't want to think or relive his experiences, but other people are able to just accept these realistic games as something mindless to do, methinks.

So it's not weird or anything.

Nah, from my very unproffesional opinion, I see it simply as people dealing with their issues differently.

 

[mrhappyface]

Hmmm. I wonder though, since I have trouble playing sci fi games even.

 

[Arcticflame]

Hmmm. I wonder though, since I have trouble playing sci fi games even.

Uh, why?

Like, any sci-fi game? Even asteroids?

 

[Yureina]

I think it depends upon the person. Some vets I know don't care at all and will play the games, while some others refuse to for various reasons that are probably more varied than they are willing to admit to me. In either case, I respect whatever decision they decide to make and won't ask them questions about it. I think its better that way.

 

[RaphaelsRedemption]

Isn't it something to do with how different people react to outward stress?

Like for one person, an FPS is a stress reliever, a safe way to express anger and frustration. But, for another, it's just a reminder of real stresses and dangers.

I know for myself that I tend to identify way too strongly with some of my characters. So I can become panicked, stressed and upset when the game goes badly. Then it's not enjoyable anymore, and I can steer away from those games which will upset me and towards those where maybe I have less emotional investment to make, or simply other gameplay mechanics besides shooting!

 

[King of the Sandbox]

I think it depends upon the person. Some vets I know don't care at all and will play the games, while some others refuse to for various reasons that are probably more varied than they are willing to admit to me. In either case, I respect whatever decision they decide to make and won't ask them questions about it. I think its better that way.

This, more than likely.

I think it depends on the person and their ability to separate the real from the simulation. I certainly wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting to play mewtwo after really noobtubing a guy in real life.