Use of Serious games in Treatment of Depression
Cariaga, Jonell; Olonde, Dianah (2016)
Cariaga, Jonell
Olonde, Dianah
Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201605198711
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201605198711
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study was to investigate the concept of gamification as an alternative to treatment of Depression. The aim was to find out how serious games also known as Health games or Educational games are used in the treatment of depression globally.
The study was implemented using a systematic literature review approach and eight selected articles were thematically analyzed. Sentences that answered the research question were highlighted then organized into themes.
Two main themes deduced were Personalized patient support and self-help therapy. Under personalized patient support, the sub-themes included self-empowerment, Engagement and an adjunct to treatment of other illnesses. Self-help therapy entailed easy accessibility to treatment and privacy.
The study established that serious games are a promising alternative to treatment of depression either solely or as an adjunct. However, more studies should be done in other parts of the world. So far, most of the studies have been done in Australia and New Zealand which is a very small portion to be fully relied on.
The study was implemented using a systematic literature review approach and eight selected articles were thematically analyzed. Sentences that answered the research question were highlighted then organized into themes.
Two main themes deduced were Personalized patient support and self-help therapy. Under personalized patient support, the sub-themes included self-empowerment, Engagement and an adjunct to treatment of other illnesses. Self-help therapy entailed easy accessibility to treatment and privacy.
The study established that serious games are a promising alternative to treatment of depression either solely or as an adjunct. However, more studies should be done in other parts of the world. So far, most of the studies have been done in Australia and New Zealand which is a very small portion to be fully relied on.