Selo said:
1. what are the physical benefits of being involved in LARPing
Not only does the LARPing activity provide exercise through walking and running with weights (armor) and the fast paced combat at the events, it also encourages me to get more fit outside of events. Getting fit outside of events helps for when I need to run away, chase things, or survive an endurance battle at the event.
Most of the physical benefits of LARPing consist of building cardio and endurance as opposed to muscle building.
Selo said:
2. what are the social benefits of being involved in LARPing
LARPing has given me many friends and some solid experience in working with people from all walks of life. It helps one generate communication skills (and the courage) to speak to, and work with, people that range from Highschool Punk Kid to Old Biker Dude to Hot Shot Corporate Employee.
Another benefit is that when someone plays a character this is outside of their comfort zone (i.e. a quiet introvert playing a loud or socially obnoxious gypsy) it helps that person to grow and learn in a much safer environment (as opposed to many bad Highschool / College experiences).
Selo said:
3. what are the psychological benefits of being involved in LARPing
I can think of a few ...
1. Generates creativity. LARPing provides a particular creative outlet for adults that is normally considered to be socially unacceptable. This allows the adults to escape from the stress of their normal work week and stimulates creative growth to potentially think of new and better solutions that are outside the box. This also has the side benefit of making it easier for an adult to relate to and play with their children.
2. Anger management. Beating people with plumbing supplies (in a safe and controlled manner) helps a lot of people get their frustrations out. (Personally, I prefer SCA combat for my Anger Management)
3. Mental exercise. With Alliance, memorizing all of the rules, remembering all of the rules during combat, being aware of the environment, and maintaining a level head (DON'T PANIC!) during combat provides stimulation of a player's perception (noticing details) and critical thinking (using a system under stress). Some people normally do better than others in both perception and critical thinking, but by providing an environment that allows for exercising them in a fun way it allows for growth which the player can then apply outside of the LARPing hobby.
Just off the top of my head...