{"title":"Fantasy Worlds, Real-Life Impact: The Benefits of RPGs for Transgender Identity Exploration.","authors":"Sonder Van Wert, Kristina Howansky","doi":"10.1080/00918369.2024.2320242","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The current research explored the influences of role-playing video games (RPGs) on the development of gender identity among transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. In Study 1 (<i>N</i> = 10), we used a Consensual Qualitative Research approach to interview TGNC individuals and identify common themes regarding the perceived impact of RPGs on gender identity development. TGNC individuals highlighted the influence of character customization, exploration, and the function of RPGs as safe spaces. In Study 2 (<i>N</i> = 100), we quantitatively explored the influence of RPG avatar customization on TGNC gender identity development. Although avatar customization was not associated with gender identity commitment, those playing RPGs with highly customizable avatars were more likely to report an impact of RPGs on their gender identity development. Content analyses reinforced Study 1 findings, indicating that RPGs, especially those with customizable avatars, can shape the gender identity journey for TGNC individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":48221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Homosexuality","volume":" ","pages":"319-345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Homosexuality","FirstCategoryId":"102","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2024.2320242","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/2/23 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"PSYCHOLOGY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The current research explored the influences of role-playing video games (RPGs) on the development of gender identity among transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. In Study 1 (N = 10), we used a Consensual Qualitative Research approach to interview TGNC individuals and identify common themes regarding the perceived impact of RPGs on gender identity development. TGNC individuals highlighted the influence of character customization, exploration, and the function of RPGs as safe spaces. In Study 2 (N = 100), we quantitatively explored the influence of RPG avatar customization on TGNC gender identity development. Although avatar customization was not associated with gender identity commitment, those playing RPGs with highly customizable avatars were more likely to report an impact of RPGs on their gender identity development. Content analyses reinforced Study 1 findings, indicating that RPGs, especially those with customizable avatars, can shape the gender identity journey for TGNC individuals.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Homosexuality is an internationally acclaimed, peer-reviewed publication devoted to publishing a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship to foster a thorough understanding of the complexities, nuances, and the multifaceted aspects of sexuality and gender. The chief aim of the journal is to publish thought-provoking scholarship by researchers, community activists, and scholars who employ a range of research methodologies and who offer a variety of perspectives to continue shaping knowledge production in the arenas of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) studies and queer studies. The Journal of Homosexuality is committed to offering substantive, accessible reading to researchers and general readers alike in the hope of: spurring additional research, offering ideas to integrate into educational programs at schools, colleges & universities, or community-based organizations, and manifesting activism against sexual and gender prejudice (e.g., homophobia, biphobia and transphobia), including the promotion of sexual and gender justice.