Campaigns Of Connection: How TTRPGs impact Loneliness and Social Support in Adult Players
Title:
Campaigns Of Connection: How TTRPGs impact Loneliness and Social Support in Adult Players
Year:
2026
Original Order:
1423
Game:
TRD26ND302455
Short Description:
In this presentation, we discuss a research study conducted with over 200 TTRPG players about how their game characteristics affected feelings of loneliness and social support.
Long Description:
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are often discussed as social experiences, but little research has examined how they relate to social support and loneliness. This presentation summarizes findings from a quantitative study of 150+ U.S. adult TTRPG players across online, in-person, and hybrid groups. Results show a strong relationship between perceived social support and lower loneliness. Meeting frequency and emotional openness predicted higher social support, while play modality (online vs. in-person) did not significantly differ. Findings suggest that how groups interact matters more than where they play, highlighting TTRPGs as meaningful spaces for connection and community well-being.
Event Type:
TRD - Trade Day Events
Minimum Players:
1
Maximum Players:
40
Age Required:
Everyone (6+)
Experience Required:
None (You've never played before - rules will be taught)