Examining the effects of video game character design on self- discrepancies and anxiety

This study aimed to examine the effects of self-discrepancies on state anxiety within the framework of Self-Discrepancy Theory, and the moderating role of video game character design in this relationship. A total of 94 participants aged between 18 and 26 were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group that designed a character in Baldur's Gate 3, and a control group that played Sudoku. Participants' state anxiety levels were measured before and after the intervention using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and self-discrepancies were assessed through the Integrated Self-Discrepancy Index. The findings revealed a significant decrease in state anxiety among participants in the experimental group, whereas no such change was observed in the control group. Regression analyses showed that individuals in the experimental group with high actual–ought self-discrepancy experienced greater reductions in anxiety. However, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels related to the perceived similarity between the designed characters and participants' self-concepts. The findings suggest that character creation may reduce state anxiety by regulating self-discrepancies, and that role-playing video games could be used as potential therapeutic tools. By integrating Self-Discrepancy Theory with digital intervention methods, this study contributes to the field of clinical psychology.Keywords: Self-Discrepancy Theory, state anxiety, character design, digital intervention, video game