Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games

Gender inequalities continue to pose a significant issue across various aspects of life, adversely impacting the well-being of both females and males. These disparities often stem from the ingrained gender stereotypes passed down to young individuals through parental guidance, educational systems, a...

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Main Authors: Ciro Esposito, Francesco Sulla, Giusi Antonia Toto, Valentina Berardinetti, Andreana Lavanga, Francesco Pio Savino, Salvatore Iuso, Maria Grazia Mada Logrieco, Maria Eugenia Paula Ascorra Costa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Behavioral Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/11/1052
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author Ciro Esposito
Francesco Sulla
Giusi Antonia Toto
Valentina Berardinetti
Andreana Lavanga
Francesco Pio Savino
Salvatore Iuso
Maria Grazia Mada Logrieco
Maria Eugenia Paula Ascorra Costa
author_facet Ciro Esposito
Francesco Sulla
Giusi Antonia Toto
Valentina Berardinetti
Andreana Lavanga
Francesco Pio Savino
Salvatore Iuso
Maria Grazia Mada Logrieco
Maria Eugenia Paula Ascorra Costa
author_sort Ciro Esposito
collection DOAJ
description Gender inequalities continue to pose a significant issue across various aspects of life, adversely impacting the well-being of both females and males. These disparities often stem from the ingrained gender stereotypes passed down to young individuals through parental guidance, educational systems, and media portrayal. For this reason, within the psycho-pedagogical field, various intervention models have been developed in recent years, leveraging digital tools to combat stereotypes and enhance well-being among adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is, therefore, to identify studies employing digital tools, particularly serious games, to promote well-being from a gender perspective. The review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and collected articles from four databases: Scopus, the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The screening process culminated in the selection of 15 articles. The findings reveal a proliferation of platforms, applications, and programs aimed at promoting well-being by addressing emotional, cognitive (or mental), physical, and sexual health dimensions. Some contributions emphasize nurturing positive attributes within individuals or fostering empowerment as a precursor to well-being. Additionally, certain articles delve into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of young men and women; in particular, the authors investigated the effect of using an app to improve well-being before and after the pandemic. This systematic review aims to expand the knowledge base on technology-based interventions for social change. It endeavors to empower educators and advance the creation of innovative, evidence-based digital tools that can enhance positive mental health, promote gender equality education, and foster the well-being of young people.
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spelling doaj-art-52fd981ec1d842cfbae2854a4e11a2182025-08-20T02:28:07ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2024-11-011411105210.3390/bs14111052Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious GamesCiro Esposito0Francesco Sulla1Giusi Antonia Toto2Valentina Berardinetti3Andreana Lavanga4Francesco Pio Savino5Salvatore Iuso6Maria Grazia Mada Logrieco7Maria Eugenia Paula Ascorra Costa8Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Humanities, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, ItalyGender inequalities continue to pose a significant issue across various aspects of life, adversely impacting the well-being of both females and males. These disparities often stem from the ingrained gender stereotypes passed down to young individuals through parental guidance, educational systems, and media portrayal. For this reason, within the psycho-pedagogical field, various intervention models have been developed in recent years, leveraging digital tools to combat stereotypes and enhance well-being among adolescents. The aim of this systematic review is, therefore, to identify studies employing digital tools, particularly serious games, to promote well-being from a gender perspective. The review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and collected articles from four databases: Scopus, the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The screening process culminated in the selection of 15 articles. The findings reveal a proliferation of platforms, applications, and programs aimed at promoting well-being by addressing emotional, cognitive (or mental), physical, and sexual health dimensions. Some contributions emphasize nurturing positive attributes within individuals or fostering empowerment as a precursor to well-being. Additionally, certain articles delve into the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of young men and women; in particular, the authors investigated the effect of using an app to improve well-being before and after the pandemic. This systematic review aims to expand the knowledge base on technology-based interventions for social change. It endeavors to empower educators and advance the creation of innovative, evidence-based digital tools that can enhance positive mental health, promote gender equality education, and foster the well-being of young people.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/11/1052gender equalitywell-beingdigital toolsserious gamessystematic review
spellingShingle Ciro Esposito
Francesco Sulla
Giusi Antonia Toto
Valentina Berardinetti
Andreana Lavanga
Francesco Pio Savino
Salvatore Iuso
Maria Grazia Mada Logrieco
Maria Eugenia Paula Ascorra Costa
Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
Behavioral Sciences
gender equality
well-being
digital tools
serious games
systematic review
title Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
title_full Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
title_fullStr Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
title_full_unstemmed Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
title_short Promoting Well-Being from a Gender Perspective: A Systematic Review of Interventions Using Digital Tools and Serious Games
title_sort promoting well being from a gender perspective a systematic review of interventions using digital tools and serious games
topic gender equality
well-being
digital tools
serious games
systematic review
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/11/1052
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