A novel ACT-based video game to support mental health through embedded learning: a mixed-methods feasibility study...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Serious video games show promise for emotional regulation in mental health.
• Current therapeutic games often have a narrow scope, targeting specific skills for particular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a novel acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based video game for young adults.
• To evaluate the acceptability and potential effectiveness of this digital intervention.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for complex intervention development.
• Employing a mixed-methods approach with qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (questionnaires) data.
• Feasibility outcomes include recruitment, acceptability, attendance, and attrition rates.

Main Results:

• Feasibility of recruitment processes will be assessed.
• Acceptability of the ACT-based video game intervention will be determined through qualitative interviews.
• Quantitative data will inform sample size calculations for future randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions:

• This protocol outlines a rigorous approach to testing a novel digital mental health intervention.
• Findings will guide the development of a full-scale trial for an ACT-based video game.
• The study aims to advance the use of serious games in mental healthcare for young adults.