NCT05923944 · School of Health Sciences Geneva
Video Game Play to Alleviate Adolescent Anxiety
What this study is about
Adolescence is a critical period for the onset and maintenance of anxiety disorders, which raises the importance of intervening early; one possibility of doing so is via digital interventions. At least two lines of research have been explored in the past years in this area.
View original scientific description
Adolescence is a critical period for the onset and maintenance of anxiety disorders, which raises the importance of intervening early; one possibility of doing so is via digital interventions. At least two lines of research have been explored in the past years in this area. First, studies have tested the anxiolytic effects of casual video games, hypothesizing that, through the induction of flow, these games can effectively distract individuals from anxiety-related thoughts and feelings. Second, the bidirectional link between poor attentional control and higher anxiety has led to the design of novel interventions aiming to improve attentional control such as working memory training studies. Importantly, action video games, classified as a distinct gaming genre, have been shown to enhance attentional control. In this study, we aim to compare the effects of action video game play and casual game play to a no-training group, assessing their potential to alleviate anxiety when delivered entirely online. The goal of this three- arms randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility of a 6-week video game training intervention to reduce adolescent anxiety-related symptoms. We will also examine the efficacy of the proposed treatment when entirely deployed at adolescents' home.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Eco-Rescue
Ecorescue is a gamified adaptation of the multiple object tracking task (MOT) combined with a detection task. It requires to track the spatial position of specific moving targets among visually similar moving distractors, while at the same time detecting briefly flashed events. It was designed to load on attentional control and visuo-spatial working memory. Additionally, targets may express various facial emotions (happy, angry or neutral) requiring some emotional control in addition to attentional control.
BEHAVIORAL
Bejelewed 3
Bejeweled 3 is a commercially available puzzle video game developed and edited by PopCap Games. The main objective is to swap two adjacent gems of seven colors to create a line or row of 3 or more gems of the same type. When these gems are aligned, they disappear, and points are earned. The goal is to get as many points as possible until it is impossible to line up gems. Bejeweled 3 offers a variety of game modes that players can freely explore at their own pace, enhancing the overall enjoyment and providing increased variability during each gaming session. These game modes typically have shorter durations, with a single game usually lasting less than 5 minutes. Bejeweled 3 was chosen as it requires fewer attentional resources compared to Eco-Rescue and because it was reported to reduce stress and anxiety in adult samples (Russoniello et al. 2009, 2013).
Primary outcome measures
Anxiety assessed through the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Child Version (SCARED-C; Birmaher et al. 1999)
Time frame: Change from baseline (T1) at 1 week after training completion (T2), and at 4 months after training completion (T3)
The SCARED-C is a 41 items self-report anxiety questionnaire with subscales measuring General Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia Disorder, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder and School Avoidance. Participants are asked to rate each statement, referring to the past four weeks, on a scale ranging from 0 (Not True or Hardly Ever True) to 2 (Very True or Often True). A score of 25 or higher may indicate the presence of an Anxiety Disorder. Analysis of primary outcome will be based on this total score.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adolescents aged 11-15 years
- Elevated anxiety symptoms, defined as a total score of ≥15 on the 41-item parent-report version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED).
- Access to a computer (at least Windows 7 or Mac OSX) at home and a reliable internet connection
Exclusion criteria
- DSM diagnoses of Bipolar, Psychosis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, present or past.
- Neurological injury (i.e. head injury)
- Currently enrolled in another cognitive training intervention
Where
- Miami, Florida
Collaborators
University of Geneva, Switzerland, University of Haifa, Swiss National Science Foundation, Florida International University
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations