
Only a handful of neuroimaging studies have addressed this topic, and the sample sizes for those studies have been small, with fewer than 80 participants. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the associations are not well understood. This study suggests that there may also be cognitive benefits associated with this popular pastime, which are worthy of further investigation.”Ī number of studies have already investigated the relationship between video gaming and cognitive behavior. “Numerous studies have linked video gaming to behavior and mental health problems. “This study adds to our growing understanding of the associations between playing video games and brain development,” said NIDA Director Nora Volkow, M.D. For this research, data was analyzed from the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other entities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This is according to a study of nearly 2,000 that was published recently in JAMA Network Open. Video Gaming May Be Associated With Better Cognitive Performance in ChildrenĪdditional research is necessary to parse the potential benefits and harms of video games on the developing brain.Ĭhildren who reported playing video games for three hours or more per day performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games. According to new research, kids who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games.
