Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
08:25
Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
1.3K
A Pilot Study Evaluating "Dojo," a Videogame Intervention for Youths with Externalizing and Anxiety Problems
Angela A T Schuurmans1,2, Karin S Nijhof1,2, Ignace P R Vermaes1,2
11 Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen, The Netherlands .
Games for Health Journal
|August 20, 2015
Summary
This pilot study found that the "Dojo" videogame intervention, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, is a feasible and engaging tool for adolescents with externalizing and anxiety problems.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Behavioral Psychology
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Externalizing problems are a primary driver of youth mental health referrals, often persisting and predicting adverse outcomes.
- Comorbidity with anxiety is common in youth with externalizing problems.
- Conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) shows moderate effect sizes, indicating a need for treatment innovation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of implementing "Dojo," a videogame-based intervention utilizing CBT principles.
- To evaluate the user experience of "Dojo" in adolescents with externalizing and anxiety issues.
- To explore potential improvements over traditional CBT delivery models for difficult-to-treat youth populations.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving eight adolescents in residential treatment.
- Utilized "Dojo," an emotion management game designed to help youth recognize and control arousal.
- Explored implementation and user experience through direct observation and participant feedback.
Main Results:
- High participant compliance and positive evaluations of the "Dojo" game.
- Successful implementation with minor challenges in scheduling and reporting.
- Quantitative data indicated a decrease in three out of four measured outcomes.
Conclusions:
- "Dojo" demonstrates significant potential as an innovative intervention due to smooth implementation and high user engagement.
- High user satisfaction and compliance suggest "Dojo" can effectively engage high-risk youth.
- Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm "Dojo" as a cost-effective treatment option.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
787
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
787
01:18Anxiety: Overview
1.3K
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
1.3K
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
1.1K
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
1.1K
01:27Panic Disorder
1.1K
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
1.1K
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
841
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
841
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
930
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
930