Press Start to Heal: Exploring Video Games as Therapeutic Tools in Grief and Bereavement

Department

Department of Counseling, North Carolina A&T State University, 1601 E Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Abstract

Grief is an inevitable part of that can significantly impact one's emotional well-being, coping, and mental health. This panel presentation will explore how video games may serve as therapeutic tools for individuals navigating grief and bereavement, highlighting connections between anxiety, grief, depression, and emotional regulation. Video games can provide cognitive, social, and emotional benefits, such as increase in motivation, problem-solving, self esteem, and coping strategies (Adachi & Willoughby, 2017; Griffiths et al., 2013; Hazel et al., 2022). Research has shown that video games can cultivate safe spaces for engagement, reflection, and processing experiences and emotions during the grief process (Eum et al., 2021; Reay et al., 2024). In addition, moderation in video game usage can improve psychological well being, providing a digital medium for individuals to openly process their feelings (Adachi & Willoughby, 2017; Hazel et al., 2022). Centered in the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement (Stroebe & Schut, 2010), this session examines how loss-oriented and restoration-oriented stressors can be addressed through gameplay, emotional growth, and meaning-making. Panelists will discuss implications for counseling practice, gaps in current research, and future directions that support coping and resilience. This presentation will evaluate innovative coping strategies to advocate for mental health and well-being during the grief process.

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