Researchers use role-playing fantasy video game to treat teen depression

[nicethugbert]

LINNK

 

 

Just dropping this here since OEI makes RPGs routinely.

[C2B]

the link doesn't work for me. But isnt that just escapism?Doesn't seem the healthiest method for treating depression.

[GhostofAnakin]

the link doesn't work for me. But isnt that just escapism?Doesn't seem the healthiest method for treating depression.

 

Yeah, seems that way to me. If anything, it could make things worse when they're forced to deal with real life outside their "fantasy world". Seems more like masking a problem than dealing with the underlying issue, and resolving that.

[nicethugbert]

The link works fine for me.

 

Are you guys mental health professionals?

[Gfted1]

No, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[LadyCrimson]

If you could read the article, you'd discover it's not about just playing "any ol' game". It's a RPG they made especially for their purpose. How effective this truly is in the long run, I couldn't say. (edit) In a way, maybe a bit like Sesame Street teaching kids the alphabet with singing puppets. Lessons integrated into and turned into entertainment?

 

The result is a role-playing fantasy game, where teenagers adopt a warrior avatar and get to blast negative thoughts with fireballs while trying to save the world from sinking into a mire of pessimism and despair.

 

[...]

 

The game has seven levels, each lasting 35-40 minutes

Edited August 3, 2012 by LadyCrimson

[Nonek]

In my day we didn't hold with such complicated frippery, we just relied on regular appointments with Madam Palm and her five lovely daughters, as well as regular drubbings on the rugger field. Whenever the black dog was on me, one of these two solutions always worked. Or a good smack around the jowels, bracing.