How does game characters help alleviate depression

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A Video Game Designed Specifically to Treat Depression

While most video games can have positive effects on the brain and mood, SPARX was invented specifically to combat depression. The fantasy game included aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, though this isn’t obvious to the player. In the game, players create their own avatar and then seek to destroy GNATs, an acronym for “gloomy, negative, automatic thoughts.” In the destroying of these creatures, players learn that those types of thoughts aren’t true or necessary to live with —  that they could be destroyed. 

The New Zealand-based researchers who created the game found impressive results in their study. Approximately 44% of SPARX players recovered from depression, compared to 26% of patients in treatment. Additionally, 66% of the gaming group saw a reduction in symptoms of 30% or more, compared to 58% of patients in treatment who saw the same reduction in symptoms. 

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