MOBA eSports participation and psychological traits in individuals with disabilities-an association analysis grounded in self-efficacy, social support, and trait sport confidence.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined β-efficacy, social support, and trait sport confidence among individuals with disabilities, and investigated the predictive roles of participation-related characteristics.

METHODS

Convenience sampling recruited 114 participants playing Honor of Kings. Psychological traits were assessed using GSES, ISEL-SF, and TSCI. Analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, hierarchical regression, and multiple regression.

RESULTS

(1) The eSports group scored significantly higher on all three psychological measures (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = -1.17 to -2.19). (2) Daily participation duration showed a U-shaped relationship with self-efficacy and trait sport confidence (both p < 0.01). (3) eSports performance positively predicted self-efficacy (β = 0.418, p = 0.005); years of participation showed no significant effects.

CONCLUSION

MOBA eSports participation is positively associated with psychological traits in disabled individuals, yet the U-shaped duration-effect relationship highlights the need for moderation. Competitive performance predicts self-efficacy, while social support relates primarily to offline relationships. eSports may empower this population psychologically, but risks and boundary conditions require further investigation.