Biofeedback-Based Videogames: Fostering Emotion Regulation at a Diverse Community Summer Camp

Implementing nonstigmatized mental health interventions and tools within community programs serving diverse populations may reduce inequities in access to mental health care and preventative emotional learning. One potentially impactful tool is Mightier, a heart rate biofeedback-based videogame that aims to foster emotion regulation skills and practice through game play. In a randomized controlled trial, the present study evaluated the efficacy of Mightier when utilized in a community setting. Seventy-two children (ages 7-12) from a low-cost community summer camp were randomly assigned to play Mightier for 6 weeks or continue camp activities as usual. All campers participated in biweekly social and emotional learning groups. Participants exhibited significantly greater levels of adaptive emotion regulation and lower levels of emotional dysregulation, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing behaviors after the intervention. Caregivers of participants in the intervention group also reported significantly less parenting-related stress after the intervention. When incorporated into community programs, biofeedback-based videogames can foster emotional intelligence competencies in children without access to traditional mental health services.