Could a classic video game hold the key to better mental health? Research says yes.
A study published in Psychological Science has found that playing a visually demanding game like Tetris can significantly reduce the impact of traumatic memories. This groundbreaking research suggests a new, accessible approach to managing intrusive thoughts for those who’ve experienced trauma.
The Study
The researchers focused on how engaging in a visually absorbing task like Tetris can interfere with the reconsolidation of traumatic memories. The participants in the study were first asked to recall traumatic events, then immediately played Tetris. The goal was to see if the game could disrupt the process of these memories being stored in the brain, known as reconsolidation.
Key Findings
Memory Interruption: Participants who played Tetris after recalling traumatic memories experienced fewer intrusive memories over time compared to those who did not engage in the game.
Cognitive Blockade: Tetris’s visually stimulating nature creates a “cognitive blockade,” effectively occupying the brain and reducing the emotional intensity and frequency of traumatic memories.
Accessible Intervention: Tetris is easy to obtain, cost-effective, and can be used almost anywhere, making it a practical tool for those dealing with trauma.
Implications for Trauma Therapy
This study opens up new avenues for trauma therapy by highlighting the potential of using simple, everyday activities to manage mental health. The implications are vast:
Immediate Application: Individuals can use Tetris as a form of immediate relief after experiencing a traumatic event or recalling traumatic memories.
Supplementing Traditional Therapy: Tetris and similar games could be incorporated into traditional therapeutic practices, offering an additional tool for therapists and patients.
Wider Acceptance: Tetris’s low cost and accessibility make it appealing for wider use in various settings, including hospitals, therapy centers, and homes.
Future Research
The study calls for further research to understand the precise mechanisms behind this effect and to explore the potential of other visually demanding activities. Understanding how these activities interact with the brain’s memory processes could lead to more effective and widely accepted therapeutic practices.
Conclusion
While it may seem unconventional, Tetris and other visually absorbing games hold promise as a novel approach to trauma therapy. As research progresses, such simple yet effective interventions could become a staple in mental health care, providing relief and improving the quality of life for many.
By exploring these new tools and techniques, we can better address the complexities of trauma and support those on their path to recovery.
References
Holmes, E. A., James, E. L., Coode-Bate, T., & Deeprose, C. (2009). Can playing the computer game Tetris reduce the build-up of flashbacks for trauma? A proposal from cognitive science. Psychological Science. Link
James, E. L., Bonsall, M. B., Hoppitt, L., Tunbridge, E. M., Geddes, J. R., Milton, A. L., & Holmes, E. A. (2015). Computer gameplay reduces intrusive memories of experimental trauma via reconsolidation-update mechanisms. Psychological Science. Link