A new study published on JMIR Serious Games show that watching the movies of the Ghibli studio and playing the video game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild It can improve, at least in the short term, emotional well -being. Among the sensations recorded there are an increase in calm, the sense of discovery, personal mastery and life satisfaction.
Imperial College London scholars, Kyushu Sangyo University and Georgia State University analyzed a sample of 518 post-graduate students, dividing them into four groups: who watched films such as My neighbor Totoro And Kiki – home deliverieswho played a Breath of the Wildwho combined both experiences and who did nothing. The results showed that each single activity brought benefits, but the greatest effect was recorded in the group that united the vision of the films to the game.
Nostalgia and sense of exploration
According to the researchers, Hayao Miyazaki’s films evoke a profound nostalgia and a reassuring atmosphere, made of natural worlds, daily details and universal values. It is no coincidence that titles like My neighbor Totoro or Kiki – home deliveries are capable of bringing spectators back to a sense of childhood and a link with wonder.
On the other side, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stimulates the desire for exploration and autonomy. Players can wander freely, cook, climb, solve puzzles and face challenges without pre -established paths. This freedom generates psychological states related to flow and reduction of anxiety.
Limits and perspectives
It is important to underline that the study measured only immediate effects, observed immediately after the activities, and involved only university students. It therefore does not mean that films or video games can replace therapies or solve mental health problems. However, the data suggest that activities related to nostalgia and creative exploration can represent useful tools to manage daily stress.
In an era in which the new generations are subject to growing academic, social and media pressures, these forms of entertainment should not be seen as simple pastimes, but as experiences capable of offering comfort, meaning and an authentic sense of happiness.
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