The The Good Game project presents research on mental health in esports at the SEAS 2026 conference
Andrés Chamarro, Iván Bonilla, and Adrián Díaz present research on mental healthindicators in esports players at the IX Conference on Emotions and Well-being of theSpanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress 2026
,4.png)
The presentation of the study at the SEAS 2026 conference underscores thecritical need to establish tailored psychological support and sleep hygiene programs withinprofessional esports
The presentation of a scientific poster at the SEAS 2026 conference served as the platformto showcase the research lines of the The Good Game project, led by Andrés Chamarro,Iván Bonilla, and Adrián Díaz at the Sport Research Institute of the Universitat Autònoma deBarcelona, regarding mental health indicators among esports (electronic sports) competitors.The study identifies key areas where psychological intervention is required. To carry out thisanalysis, a total of 262 Spanish-speaking participants completed an online questionnairefocusing on sociodemographic variables and clinical indicators.
The data presented at the conference reveal a concerning reality regarding the well-being ofcompetitive video game players. The results show that 31.3% of participants reportedmoderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, while 43% experienced anxiety within thosesame severity ranges. Furthermore, 69.1% of the players exceeded the clinical threshold forsleep disorders, with data revealing that age and competitive hours predict the onset ofthese symptoms. However, despite being exposed to high-pressure dynamics andconsequently experiencing elevated levels of depression and anxiety, the analysis indicatesthat higher-performing players report greater overall perceived well-being.
The findings suggest that well-being and mental health deterioration function as separatedimensions in the mental health of video gamers. The conclusions emphasize an urgentneed to design and implement specialized psychological support programs within theesports industry that reach beyond mere performance optimization. The core focus of thesefuture interventions must prioritize clinical symptom prevention, focusing specifically onimproving sleep hygiene and stress management resources for all competitors, not justhigh-level ones.