Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Computer game aims to zap teen depression and isolation

Long viewed as a contributing factor in teenage isolation, computer games are now being used to treat adolescent depression in an innovative New Zealand programme.

 Rather than simply encouraging players to engage in mindless destruction, the SPARX video game attempts to teach teenagers how to deal with depression using a psychological approach known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

 Just as importantly, its creators set out to make the game exciting for those teenagers who are often reluctant to seek counselling and bored by well-meaning advice on how to cope with depression. The result is a role-playing fantasy game, where teenagers adopt a warrior avatar ... Click for full article from Yahoo news.