Addressing Cognitive Bias in Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using 3-D Animated Serious Games.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often struggle with social nuances, leading to negative thought patterns.
• Cognitive biases contribute to the development and maintenance of mental health issues in this population.
• Targeting biased interpretive processes may reduce negative bias and associated mental health problems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a serious game incorporating cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) in adolescents with NDDs.
• To assess the game's effectiveness in altering negative interpretive bias.
• To explore the impact on mental health and daily worries.

Main Methods:

• A 10-episode, 3-D animated serious game, Minds Online, embedding CBM-I was used.
• A three-phase multiple baseline design was implemented in a school setting.
• Eight adolescents with NDDs completed the game and daily self-report ratings.

Main Results:

• Seven out of eight adolescents successfully shifted their negative interpretive bias towards a benign bias.
• Standardized mental health measures did not show significant changes.
• Statistical analysis of daily ratings revealed significant individual improvements in worry and loneliness.

Conclusions:

• Minds Online demonstrates high effectiveness in modifying negative interpretive biases in adolescents with NDDs.
• Altering these biases is a promising avenue for addressing psychopathology.
• Excellent engagement and adherence suggest feasibility for this intervention.