情緒低落？一項新研究表明，動畫和遊戲或許能提振心情

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The latest scientific research shows that moderate exposure to animated works with gentle storytelling and positive atmospheres, or participation in immersive interactive gaming experiences, can effectively enhance emotional stability and overall happiness.

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Miami, FL (Merxwire) – Have you ever noticed how your mood instantly softens when a familiar theme song from a childhood animation starts playing? Or how the sight of a character flying through the sky seems to lift your worries away? According to a recent international study, people who regularly watch animated films with soothing tones and nostalgic themes report significantly higher levels of emotional stability and happiness compared with those who do not.

This sense of “being healed” is not just an illusion — it has scientific backing. A new cross-national study published in JMIR Serious Games found that watching calm, heartwarming animated stories can promote mental well-being, evoking feelings of peace, nostalgia, and joy. When paired with immersive, interactive gaming experiences, the positive effects on happiness and relaxation become even stronger.

The research, jointly conducted by Imperial College London (UK), Kyushu Sangyo University (Japan), and Georgia State University (USA), involved 518 graduate students who were divided into four groups: those who only watched animation, those who only played games, those who did both, and a control group. The findings revealed that participants who regularly engaged with these types of animation scored significantly higher in emotional stability and happiness. The group that combined animation and gaming showed the strongest results, with joy increasing by about 30% and stress levels dropping by nearly 25%.

The researchers explained that the gentle visuals, delicate music, and nostalgic ambience of animated works evoke a sense of safety and familiarity, helping viewers temporarily escape real-life pressures and achieve emotional relaxation. In contrast, gaming stimulates accomplishment and control through exploration and challenge, triggering the release of “happiness hormones” such as dopamine and oxytocin. When combined, these two experiences create a positive psychological cycle — viewers feel both soothed and energised at the same time.

The study also observed that participants who watched animation before playing games demonstrated greater concentration and patience, as well as higher task completion rates. The researchers described this as an “emotional warm-up effect,” similar to how listening to a favourite song before work or study helps people get into the right mindset. These findings suggest that emotional relaxation can, in fact, enhance motivation and lead to more consistent psychological performance.

However, the research team cautioned that this does not mean spending excessive time in front of screens. Instead, they recommend using entertainment mindfully as a tool for emotional regulation. Rather than passively scrolling through social media or binge-watching aimlessly, choosing a calm, emotionally resonant animated film or engaging in a short, exploratory gaming session can help the brain relax, relieve stress, and restore emotional balance.

Moderate engagement with soothing visual content or immersive games allows the brain to enter a restorative state, reducing tension and replenishing emotional energy. So next time you feel overwhelmed or lost for words, consider stepping away from reality for a while — immerse yourself in a peaceful animated story or a light-hearted virtual adventure, and give your mind the chance to breathe again.