Share Paper: Effects of Training with Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game on Alleviating Shyness

1. Sachi Tajima, Kanto Gakuen University, Japan
2. Yumi Matsuo, Kanto Junior College, Japan
3. Yuki Takei, Ochanomizu University, Japan
4. Akira Sakamoto, Ochanomizu University, Japan

Abstract: We developed a training program for alleviating shyness. This program was conducted using a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) for five weeks. To evaluate the training program, we compared three conditions: the training group, the game group in which participants freely played MMORPG 4.5 hours a week, and the control group in which participants lived as usual. Three shyness scales and self-esteem were measured immediately and a month after the training. The results showed marginally significant differences between the training and control groups in the two kinds of shyness scores measured immediately after training. Furthermore, the self-esteem scores ...