Using video games to reduce anxiety in adolescents
Evaluating the Effect of Gamified Cognitive Training and of Casual Videogame Play on Anxiety in Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if playing action video games can help reduce anxiety in teenagers aged 11-15 by distracting them and improving their emotional control.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | School of Health Sciences Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Haifa and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05923944 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the potential of video games as a digital intervention to alleviate anxiety in adolescents aged 11-15 years. It compares the effects of action video games, which may enhance attentional control, against casual games and a no-training control group. By assessing changes in anxiety levels, the study aims to determine the effectiveness of these gaming interventions in distracting from anxiety-related thoughts and improving emotional regulation. Participants must have access to a computer and meet specific anxiety criteria to be eligible.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 11-15 years who exhibit high levels of anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, engaging method for reducing anxiety in adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using video games for anxiety reduction, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Haifa and 1 other locations
- University of Haifa — Haifa, Israel (Recruiting)
- University of Geneva — Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daphné Bavelier, Professor — University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Study coordinator: Naïma Gradi, PhD Student
- Email: naima.gradi@unige.ch
- Phone: +33 6 31 85 49 96
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.