Results from a pilot study of a computer‐based role‐playing game for young people with psychosis

• Published in: Early intervention in psychiatry Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 767 - 772
• Main Authors: Olivet, Jeffrey, Haselden, Morgan, Piscitelli, Sarah, Kenney, Rachael, Shulman, Alexander, Medoff, Deborah, Dixon, Lisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 01.08.2019; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Adults; Attitudes; Computer & video games; coordinated specialty care; Domains; Feasibility Studies; Female; first episode psychosis; Humans; Male; Patient Acceptance of Health Care - psychology; Pilot Projects; Product development; Psychosis; Psychotic Disorders - psychology; Psychotic Disorders - therapy; Qualitative Research; Recovery; Recovery (Medical); Role Playing; serious gaming; therapeutic gaming; Therapy, Computer-Assisted - methods; Young Adult; Young adults; therapeutic gaming; first episode psychosis; recovery; serious gaming; coordinated specialty care
• ISSN: 1751-7885; 1751-7893
• DOI: 10.1111/eip.12556

Aim Recent research on first episode psychosis (FEP) has demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated specialty care (CSC) models to support young adults and their families, yet few tools exist to promote engagement in care. This study aimed to develop a prototype computer‐based role‐playing game (RPG) designed for young people who have experienced FEP, and conduct a pilot study to determine feasibility and test whether the game improves consumers' attitudes toward treatment and recovery. Methods Twenty young people with FEP who were receiving services at a CSC program enrolled in the study and played the game for 1 hour. Pre‐ and post‐quantitative assessments measured change in hope, recovery, stigma, empowerment and engagement in treatment. Qualitative interviews explored participants' experience with the game and ideas for further product development. Results Participants showed significant increase in positive attitudes toward recovery. The qualitative findings further demonstrated the game's positive impact across these domains. Of all game features, participants most highly valued video testimonials of other young adults with FEP telling their stories of hope and recovery. Conclusions These findings provide modest support for the potential benefits of this type of computer‐based RPG, if further developed for individuals experiencing psychosis.