Digital games against depression: Exciting study reveals opportunities!

Digital games against depression: Exciting study reveals opportunities!

A recent study by Cologne media psychologists highlights the potential value of digital games for raising awareness about depression. In the study conducted by Dr. Marco Rüth, Raoul Bachmayer and Professor Dr. Kai Kaspar, the results show that digital games can help recognize symptoms of depression and develop empathy for those affected. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology and highlights the importance of psychoeducation in destigmatizing mental illness.

Depression affects approximately 350 million people worldwide and is expected to become the second most common illness by 2020. Despite its widespread use, there are many misunderstandings about this disease. The aim of the Cologne method is to sensitize young people in particular to the problems of depressed people, which is to be done through the use of two digital games. However, the introduction to the topic must be carefully designed, especially for those affected or their relatives. Support and offers of help should be clearly communicated.

The study and its results

As part of the study, 117 participants saw excerpts from a digital game that deals with depression. During the analysis, the participants recorded their impressions. A comprehensive evaluation resulted in 298 statements that showed that knowledge about depression and the importance of personal environment was conveyed. Positive effects such as motivation to learn and the belief that digital games are a relevant medium for education were also documented.

Another important part of the study was the effect of the game on the participants' emotions. 307 statements reported negative emotions such as sadness and strain, while 284 statements indicated that participants suspected similar emotional effects of the game on others. These findings provide valuable information on the role of digital games in psychoeducation and the destigmatization of mental illness.

The use of serious games in psychotherapy

Digital games are also considered to have great potential in psychotherapy. Although in the past the focus was often on clinical aspects such as addictive behavior, the focus is now on positive effects that can, for example, promote motor, cognitive and social aspects. Digital games offer opportunities to reduce psychological symptoms and contribute to the destigmatization of mental illnesses.

Serious games that combine technology, entertainment and education are increasingly found in the treatment of mental disorders. Examples of such games include SPARX, a self-help program for teens with depression that is as effective as traditional therapy, and RE-MISSION, which helps children with cancer improve their knowledge of treatments and increase medication adherence.

Despite the positive evaluations, serious games are only used to a limited extent in Germany, as only 28% of therapists are familiar with such games. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a push for digitalization in psychotherapy, although there are concerns about the treatment of children and adolescents in digital settings.

Games about depression

As part of raising awareness, two main games are in the foreground:

• Elude: Ein Jump ’n’ Run-Spiel, das die Erfahrungen eines depressiven Jugendlichen darstellt. Es nutzt einfache Metaphern und spricht besonders jüngere Spieler an.
• Depression Quest: Ein textbasiertes Spiel, das Entscheidungen erlaubt, die den Verlauf der Geschichte beeinflussen. Es eignet sich für Jugendliche und Erwachsene mit guten Englischkenntnissen.

Both games can be played for free in the browser and require a PC or laptop with an internet connection. The method involves using your own devices for more intensive experiences and then reflecting on the experiences and feelings in a plenary session.

The Cologne study provides important insights into the role of digital games in psychoeducation and highlights the need for further research into the type and intensity of engagement with these media. These findings may help reduce the stigmatization of depression and increase understanding of mental illness in society.

uni-koeln.de reports that digital games can help raise awareness about depression. The Digital Gaming Culture Foundation emphasizes how important it is to raise young people's awareness of this issue Medical Journal emphasizes the diverse possibilities of digital games in psychotherapy.