Video Game Play to Alleviate Adolescent Anxiety

Launched by SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES GENEVA · Jun 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how playing different types of video games can help reduce anxiety in adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. Researchers want to see if action video games, which require quick thinking and attention, are more effective at easing anxiety compared to casual video games, which are more relaxed and fun. The study will involve three groups: one group will play action games, another will play casual games, and a third group will not play any games at all. The goal is to see if playing these games for six weeks can help lower anxiety symptoms when done from home.

To participate, teens must be between 12 and 14 years old and have a high score on a specific anxiety questionnaire, indicating they experience significant anxiety. They also need to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. However, those with certain mental health diagnoses or neurological injuries cannot join. Participants can look forward to engaging in video game sessions and contributing to important research that could help others dealing with anxiety.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adolescents aged 11-15 years
• • 2. High-anxious score from the 41 items SCARED-Parent version (i.e. total score equal or above 17)
• • 3. Access to a computer (at least Windows 7 or Mac OSX) at home and a reliable internet connection
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. DSM diagnoses of Bipolar, Psychosis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, present or past.
• • 2. Neurological injury (i.e. head injury)
• • 3. Currently enrolled in another cognitive training intervention