| E-sports as a facilitator during crises: Cases from the Iran–Israel war |
| Paper ID : 1635-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Mohammad Jafarpour Jeshni *1, Hamid Reza Safari Jafarloo2 1B.Sc student in jahrom university 2Sports sciences department, Jahrom univesity |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: In times of crisis and war, maintaining mental health and promoting individual and social resilience are crucial. E-sports, as one of the new psychiatric and social tools, play an effective role in reducing anxiety, creating a sense of cheerfulness, and mentally distancing oneself from the crisis environment. By providing interactive and safe environments, these games enable users to experience positive emotions. The purpose of this research is to examine the facilitating dimensions of E-sports in the Iran-Israel war. Method: This study employs a qualitative research design utilizing the Grounded Theory method, specifically the Glaserian approach for data analysis. The research population consisted of adolescents interested in video and electronic games. Purposeful sampling was conducted, considering diversity in age and urban areas, resulting in twelve semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis involved open, axial, and selective coding, conducted in a staged approach. Result: The findings indicate that E-sports provide significant facilitation across psychological, social, and familial dimensions. Psychological benefits include stress reduction, mental escape from crisis situations, and therapeutic effects through engaging gameplay. Social benefits encompass reduced loneliness, maintained social connections, enhanced solidarity, and increased social resilience through online interactions. Familial benefits involve providing safe entertainment, changing negative attitudes, alleviating feelings of limitation, and fostering family support systems. Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifaceted role of E-sports as a psychosocial support mechanism during wartime crises. By fostering emotional relief, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting adaptive family dynamics, E-sports emerge as a valuable, low-risk intervention for mitigating the psychological toll of conflict. These insights underscore the potential of digital play environments to contribute meaningfully to crisis resilience strategies, particularly among youth populations exposed to the stresses of modern warfare. |
| Keywords |
| E-sports, Crisis resilience, war |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
