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Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology
2025. Vol. 14, no. 4, 135–145
doi:10.17759/jmfp.2025140414
ISSN: 2304-4977 (online)

Problem-solving skills in adolescents and young adults engaged in video gaming

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. In psychology and pedagogy, problem-solving skills are regarded as core competencies of the 21st century, essential for successful adaptation in both professional and social contexts. With the increasing popularity of video games among youth, researchers have shown growing interest in their potential as a tool for developing cognitive and social skills. Objective. This review aims to systematize empirical findings on the relationship between video games and the development of problem-solving skills in adolescents and young adults, as well as to identify the factors that determine the effectiveness of this influence. Methods and materials. An analytical review of contemporary international and Russian publications was conducted, covering longitudinal, experimental, and cross-cultural studies. The review included research on different genres of video games, the cognitive and social dimensions of problem-solving, and analyses of both individual and collaborative forms of gameplay. Results. Findings indicate that strategic, exploratory, and educational games foster the development of executive functions, critical thinking, and cognitive flexibility. Among adolescents, positive effects on academic achievement and cognitive strategies have been observed through engagement with problem-oriented games. In young adults, beneficial outcomes are most pronounced in immersive gaming environments that require planning, analysis, and adaptive decision-making. Conclusions. Video games may be considered a viable tool for training problem-solving skills, provided that the choice of genre and the organization of gameplay are intentional. The results highlight the importance of integrating game-based practices into educational settings, where they can serve as safe cognitive training environments and contribute to the development of problem-solving skills.

General Information

Keywords: video games, problem-solving skills, adolescents, young adults, cooperative problem solving, educational games

Journal rubric: Developmental Psychology and Age-Related Psychology

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140414

Received 05.09.2025

Revised 06.12.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Tokarchuk, Y.A., Ageev, N.Ya., Tokarchuk, A.M. (2025). Problem-solving skills in adolescents and young adults engaged in video gaming. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 14(4), 135–145. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2025140414

© Tokarchuk Y.A., Ageev N.Ya., Tokarchuk A.M., 2025

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Yulia A. Tokarchuk, Researcher of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Contemporary Childhood, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0690-0694, e-mail: lyusindus@gmail.com

Nikita Y. Ageev, Junior Researcher of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Contemporary Childhood, Moscow State University of psychology and education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0226-7185, e-mail: nikitoageev@gmail.com

Andrey M. Tokarchuk, Candidate of Science (Engineering), Senior Researcher of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Contemporary Childhood, Moscow State University of psychology and education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5600-6194, e-mail: netandreus@gmail.com

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