Recently, scientists from all over the world are increasingly paying attention to the potential positive effects of video games on mental health. Namely, games from the past, for example about the Mario brothers. In this context, a study conducted by a group of German psychologists from the University of Bonn attracts special attention.
The study aimed to examine the possibility of improving depressed mood and increasing academic motivation through a six-week video game intervention. The scientists decided to test the effectiveness of this approach by selecting a group of patients diagnosed with depression.
Photo source: uk.wikipedia.org
A total of 46 participants were randomly divided into three groups. The first group played the famous video game "Super Mario", the second group used a special CogPack program designed to develop cognitive functions, while the third group received standard clinical treatment.
At the end of the six-week experiment, it was found that the group that played Super Mario had the largest reduction in the percentage of participants with high levels of depressive symptoms, by almost half compared to the other groups. The scientists noted that in addition to training attention and reaction speed, the video game seemed to take participants back in time. It helped to remember how in childhood, together with the Mario brothers, they overcame all kinds of obstacles.
Photo source: uk.wikipedia.org
Equally important, participants who played the video game reported improvements in concentration problems, a reduction in negative thoughts, and improvements in decision-making. This, according to the researchers, may indicate a complex impact of video games on cognitive and emotional aspects of mental health.
Depression? Maybe time to get out that old game console and play Super Mario?
Source: mensjournal.com
