In new research, a team of scientists from the Bodhana Group and the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology explored whether intentionally introduced cognitive behavioral therapy delivered through the medium of tabletop role-playing game groups could positively affect social skills, reduce anxiety symptoms and behaviors, and enhance the mental well-being of participants.
Varrette et al. run an exploratory study on whether intentionally introduced cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered through the medium of TTRPG groups, could positively affect social skills, reduce anxiety symptoms and behaviors, and enhance the mental well-being of participants. Image credit: Edwin Francisco.
“Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have increased in popularity as a hobby and allows multiple people to play together online or in person,” said Bodhana Group researcher Matthew Varrette and his colleagues.
“Group activities such as TTRPGs have been used to improve social skills and mental well-being.”
“Although there is qualitative and anecdotal studies and reports about the efficacy of the therapeutic application of TTRPGs, no related studies have employed quantitative measures or mental health screening tools.”
The team’s study was completed virtually from May 2020 to February 2021 and involved a small number of participants (25 volunteers).
The participants were divided into five different RPG groups (three therapeutic and two non-therapeutic) that met once a week for 12 weeks.
The data were collected using the social phobia inventory, generalized anxiety disorder assessment, social skills inventory, and group satisfaction scale and debriefs with participants.
All the groups showed an average decrease in self-reported anxiety.
One of the therapeutic TTRPG groups decreased in self-reported social anxiety, while the others remained the same.
“More research is required, and we hope to continue this research with additional participants over a similar or longer period,” the authors said.
“Additionally, the hope is that this research encourages other institutions to follow similarly robust (or improved) research methodologies to add to the pool of qualitative and quantitative data.”
The findings appear in the journal Social Work with Groups.
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Matthew Varrette et al. Exploring the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and role-playing games as an intervention for adults with social anxiety. Social Work with Groups, published online November 18, 2022; doi: 10.1080/01609513.2022.2146029
