“Life has more purpose now”: A grounded theory investigation of the impact of table-top board games on wellbeing and functioning in autistic adults

Despite anecdotal evidence of the benefits of table-top board game engagement for the wellbeing and functioning of autistic adults, limited research to date has explicitly explored this relationship. If table-top board games are perceived to be beneficial for psychological wellbeing and functioning in autistic adults, they could be utilised in the community as a protective factor which could reduce the number of autistic adults requiring a referral to mental health services. Learning about the role of board games could also lead to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine qualitatively what impact autistic adults perceive playing table-top board games has on their wellbeing and functioning. Ten autistic adults volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews. Verbatim interview transcripts were analysed following the principles of Grounded Theory. Results identified three main concepts: 1) The cycle of board game engagement 2) Impact on aspects of autism 3) Impact on wellbeing and functioning. Content of these concepts interacted in a variety of ways, which have been represented in a theoretical model. Multiple components of board games were identified as impacting on wellbeing and functioning. These have been represented in a theoretical model. The more time playing board games generally meant that participants were communicating better, forming better relationships, feeling more included and enjoying games more. These factors contributed to them playing more games, creating a virtuous cycle. In turn, the concepts all lead back to a general sense of improved wellbeing and functioning. • There is limited research into table-top board game play and autistic adults. • Knowing the benefits of board games could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches. • Use of Grounded Theory resulted in a model of the perceived impacts of board games. • We found a virtuous cycle of improved communication, relationships & wellbeing.