Can Dungeons and Dragons Unleash the Power of Social Skill Building?

The Power of Role-playing Games: Building Social Skills and Promoting Inclusion

Introduction

The surge in popularity of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons and Dragons, fueled in part by their depiction in hit TV shows like Stranger Things, has caught the attention of researchers at the University of South Australia. They are exploring the potential of these games to foster social growth in individuals who are neurodivergent or live with disabilities. TTRPGs, played in an imaginary world with characters created by players, have become a global phenomenon, attracting an estimated 50 million players worldwide. This research collaboration between the University and social gaming company Minds At Play aims to shed light on how role-playing games can enhance players’ confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being.

The Scoping Review and the Need for Continued Research

A neurodiverse research team at the University of South Australia conducted a scoping review of existing academic literature on the use of TTRPGs to promote social growth. The findings highlighted a critical gap in research: while previous studies focused on the use of TTRPGs by therapists, there was a lack of data on players sharing their own experiences with these games. According to Dr. Susannah Emery, a gaming expert at UniSA, this missing voice is crucial and calls for further research and investigation in this area. The opportunity to delve deeper into the benefits and impact of TTRPGs on players’ social growth should not be overlooked.

The Benefits of TTRPGs: Building Confidence and Social Connections

Minds At Play, an Australian social gaming company, has firsthand experience of the positive impact TTRPGs can have. Through their online sessions, they have observed neurodiverse players gaining confidence, overcoming social barriers, and actively seeking out face-to-face social groups. Players who were once socially isolated due to anxiety about social interactions found themselves developing meaningful connections in real-life settings. These findings underscore the potential of TTRPGs to empower individuals and improve their quality of life, social inclusion, and overall well-being.

Enhancing Communication and Problem-solving Skills

Beyond the social benefits, role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons also foster important cognitive skills. Decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities are integral to the gameplay experience. As players learn to articulate their thoughts, negotiate with others, and collaborate effectively, their communication skills improve significantly. TTRPGs provide a safe and engaging environment for individuals to develop these essential life skills.

Advice for Future Research and Implementation

The collaboration between the University of South Australia and Minds At Play represents an exciting step forward in exploring the potential of TTRPGs for promoting social growth and inclusion. As the research findings suggest, there is a need for further investigation and research to fully understand the benefits of TTRPGs on neurodiverse individuals and individuals with disabilities. This includes encouraging players to share their own experiences and insights to provide a well-rounded perspective. To maximize the impact of TTRPGs, it is crucial to develop guidelines and best practices for therapists, educators, and community organizations to effectively leverage these games for social skill-building and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The rise of TTRPGs like Dungeons and Dragons has not only brought joy and excitement to millions of players worldwide but also sparked interest among researchers in their potential to enhance social growth and inclusion. The promising findings from the scoping review conducted at the University of South Australia highlight the need for further research to fully understand the benefits of TTRPGs, especially from the players’ perspective. The power of these games extends beyond entertainment, offering opportunities for individuals to develop social skills, improve communication, and overcome barriers to meaningful connections. As we continue to explore the potential of TTRPGs, it is essential to ensure that individuals who can benefit the most are included and that research translates into practical strategies for fostering social growth and well-being.