Exploratory evaluations of a computer game supporting cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescents

  • Authors:

  • David Coyle;Nicola McGlade;Gavin Doherty;Gary O'Reilly

  • Affiliations:

  • University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland;University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
  • Year:
  • 2011

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.01

Visualization

Abstract

The need to provide effective mental health treatments for adolescents has been described as a global public health challenge [27]. In this paper we discuss the exploratory evaluations of the first adolescent intervention to fully integrate a computer game implementing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Three distinct studies are presented: a detailed evaluation in which therapists independent of the design team used the game with 6 adolescents experiencing clinical anxiety disorders; a study in which a member of the design team used the game with 15 adolescents; and finally a study assessing the acceptability of the game and intervention with 216 practicing therapists. Findings are presented within the context of a framework for the design and evaluation of complex health interventions. The paper provides an in-depth insight into the use of therapeutic games to support adolescent interventions and provides stronger evidence than previously available for both their effectiveness and acceptability to stakeholders.