Dungeons & Dragons is more than a game, leisure expert says
Dungeons & Dragons is more than a game, leisure expert says
Dungeons & Dragons is more than a game, leisure expert says
Michelle Marie Arean
October, 21, 2025
Summary
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) exemplifies “serious leisure,” a skill-based, immersive hobby that fosters creativity, problem-solving and strong social bonds. FIU researcher Emily Messina studies how D&D supports identity-building, offering players a safe space to explore new personas and express themselves without real-world consequences. Long campaigns and collaborative storytelling create meaningful structure, community and emotional benefits. As people lose structured activities in adulthood, D&D fills that gap, offering belonging, purpose and motivation. It can also support mental health by providing routine and positive reinforcement. For both younger players and retirees, structured leisure like D&D enhances well-being, social connection and cognitive engagement.
Reference
Arean, M. M. (2025, October 21). Dungeons & Dragons is more than a game, leisure expert says. FIU News. https://news.fiu.edu/2025/dungeons-dragons-is-more-than-a-game-leisure-expert-says