ReWIND: A CBT-Based Serious Game to Improve Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Anxiety Disorder

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17083/ijsg.v10i3.603

Keywords:

CBT-based serious game, anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, Ellis’ ABCDE model

Abstract

Games have shown successful intervention outcomes and can be used to complement the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, current serious game solutions are designed to be task-based rather than story-based. We present ReWIND, a serious role-playing game (RPG) applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to design anxiety-relevant storylines and game mechanics. ReWIND advances state-of-the-art mental health games by seamlessly integrating CBT elements and strategies into the game’s storytelling so players can learn how CBT is applied in anxiety scenarios as they play through the game. Our goal is to examine the effectiveness of ReWIND in improving cognitive emotion regulation and anxiety disorders. Through a randomized controlled trial, 40 participants were recruited, of whom half were randomly assigned to play ReWIND while the others worked on a non-game task. Anxiety and cognitive emotion regulation levels were measured before and after the interventions. Our findings show ReWIND significantly reduces the severity level of anxiety symptoms and trait anxiety levels and increases perceived control of anxiety better than the non-game task. ReWIND also obtained positive ratings for its usability and practicality in real life, helping participants to cope better with anxiety disorders.

Author Biographies

  • Heng Yew Ken, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

    Heng Yew Ken is MSc. student engaging in research at the School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has keen interest in affective computing as well as human-computer interaction. His work revolves around game development and introduces game solutions to connect humans with computers in a fun, relaxing, and effective way.

  • Jasy Liew Suet Yan, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia

    Jasy Liew Suet Yan is a senior lecturer at the School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her areas of expertise include affective computing, natural language processing and content analysis. She is interested in the study of various emotion-related phenomena online to improve the design of emotion-sensitive systems.  

  • Mohammad Farris Iman Leong bin Abdullah, Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia

    Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah is a medical lecturer and psychiatrist at Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia. His research interest includes kratom addiction and toxicity, posttraumatic growth in cancer patients, and depression and anxiety disorders. One of his recent focus is on studying various non-pharmacological treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

  • Ying Tang, Department of Psychological Sciences & Counseling, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio, USA

    Ying Tang is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling at Youngstown State University. Her areas of expertise include attribution, emotion regulation, self-defense mechanisms and relationships.

  • Nathan Prestopnik, Division of Applied Technology, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, USA

    Nathan R. Prestopnik is a professor of virtual reality design at Shenandoah University. He studies game design, interactive storytelling, mixed reality systems, citizen science and serious games, and the intersection of VR and the digital humanities.

Downloads

Published

2023-09-04

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

ReWIND: A CBT-Based Serious Game to Improve Cognitive Emotion Regulation and Anxiety Disorder. (2023). International Journal of Serious Games, 10(3), 43-65. https://doi.org/10.17083/ijsg.v10i3.603