The effect of a visuospatial interference intervention on posttraumatic intrusions: a cross-over randomized controlled trial.

Background: Intrusive memories form a core symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Based on concepts of visuospatial interference and memory-updating accounts, technological innovations aim to attenuate such intrusions using visuospatial interventions.Objective: This study aims to test the effect of a visuospatial Tetris-based intervention versus a verbal condition (Wiki) and a never-targeted control (no intervention) on intrusion frequency.Method: A randomized crossover trial was conducted including N = 38 PTSD patients who had at least 3 distinct intrusive memories of trauma. After both 2 weeks (intervention 1) and 4 weeks (intervention 2), one of the three memories was randomly selected and either the visuospatial intervention (memory reminder of a traumatic memory + Tetris) or verbal condition (reading a Wikipedia article + answering questions) was performed on their first memory in randomized order. In the week 4 session, the patient conducted the other intervention condition on their second memory (crossover). The third memory was never targeted (no intervention). Daily occurrence of intrusions over 8 weeks was collected using a diary and analysed using mixed Poisson regression models.Results: Overall, there was no significant reduction in intrusion frequency from either intervention compared to each other, and to no intervention control (relative risk Tetris/Wiki: 0.947; p = .31; relative risk no intervention/Tetris: 1.060; p = .15; relative risk no intervention/Wiki: 1.004; p = .92).Conclusions: There was no effect of either intervention on intrusions when administered in a crossover design where participants received both interventions. Design shortcomings and consequences for future studies are discussed.

Visuospatial interventions, including the computer game Tetris, have been studied as a potential means to decrease intrusive memories, a core feature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.In this study, two interventions are tested in a crossover design with patients with intrusive memories after traumatic experiences.There was no effect of either the visuospatial intervention or the verbal condition in this design.

Narrative Play-Promoting Adolescent Health With Interactive Games.

This Arts and Medicine feature discusses INSPIRE, a digital health game designed to foster adolescent health behavior change.

Effects of active exergames on physical performance in older people: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I2 = 96%; p = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I2 = 97%; p < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I2 = 88%; p = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I2 = 95%; p = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I2 = 84%; p = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I2 = 95%; p = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694.

Training nurses in an international emergency medical team using a serious role-playing game: a retrospective comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although game-based applications have been used in disaster medicine education, no serious computer games have been designed specifically for training these nurses in an IEMT setting. To address this need, we developed a serious computer game called the IEMTtraining game. In this game, players assume the roles of IEMT nurses, assess patient injuries in a virtual environment, and provide suitable treatment options. METHODS: The design of this study is a retrospective comparative analysis. The research was conducted with 209 nurses in a hospital. The data collection process of this study was conducted at the 2019-2020 academic year. A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on the pre-, post-, and final test scores of nurses in the IEMT. Additionally, a survey questionnaire was distributed to trainees to gather insights into teaching methods that were subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the overall test scores between the two groups, with the game group demonstrating superior performance compared to the control group (odds ratio = 1.363, p value = 0.010). The survey results indicated that the game group exhibited higher learning motivation scores and lower cognitive load compared with the lecture group. CONCLUSIONS: The IEMT training game developed by the instructor team is a promising and effective method for training nurses in disaster rescue within IEMTs. The game equips the trainees with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies. It is easily comprehended, enhances knowledge retention and motivation to learn, and reduces cognitive load.

The relationship between game genre, monetization strategy and symptoms of gaming disorder in a clinical sample of adolescents.

Background: Gaming disorder (GD) has been introduced as a new diagnosis in the International Classification of Disease 11 (ICD-11). Currently, there's limited understanding of how various video games may differentially contribute to the risk of developing GD. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals' game genre preferences, their preferred games' monetization strategies, and GD Symptoms. Methods: A total of 85 patients undergoing treatment for GD at a child and youth psychiatric clinic were included in the study. Their preferred games were classified into five novel genres based on gameplay similarities and objectives, and further categorized based on their monetization strategy. Results: Symptom burden of GD, measured with Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA), was highest for those playing Free-to-Play (F2P) games and lowest for Pay-to-Play (P2P) players. Players of Competitive Games endorsed higher GD symptom burden, whereas players of Story-driven games reported lower GD symptom burden. Symptoms of GD were associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in males. Conclusions: This study reveals that game genre preference is influenced by sex, age, and certain psychiatric diagnoses. The categorizing of games into genres is increasingly complex and our research introduces a novel categorization in a developing research field. The result of this study suggests that the monetization model is important to consider while trying to understand the relationship between game characteristics and GD symptoms.

Internet/Video Gaming: The Relevance of a New Phenomenon in the Youth.

The high level of technological growth in contemporary society, beside benefits, provokes different kinds of damages, especially among the worldwide youth population. World statistics have recognized that video and internet game addiction is a growing problem. In this context, it is supposed that 0.3 to 1.0 percent of the general population might be qualified as a potential sufferer of internet gaming disorder. However, youth between 18-34 years are the highest risk population. New research has shown the need of early identification of at-risk young people for internet addiction. Adverse experience in children of different forms of stress, negative life circumstances and especially negative, hostile parenting can lead to depression, social and cultural problems, together with significant boredom and loneliness levels. These are all confirmed to be related with addictive behaviour. Some neural correlates are discussed as the possible background of game addiction. Finally, therapeutic possibilities are presented.

Action video games and posterior parietal cortex neuromodulation enhance both attention and reading in adults with developmental dyslexia.

The impact of action video games on reading performance has been already demonstrated in individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. The combination of action video games and posterior parietal cortex neuromodulation by a transcranial random noise stimulation could enhance brain plasticity, improving attentional control and reading skills also in adults with developmental dyslexia. In a double blind randomized controlled trial, 20 young adult nonaction video game players with developmental dyslexia were trained for 15 h with action video games. Half of the participants were stimulated with bilateral transcranial random noise stimulation on the posterior parietal cortex during the action video game training, whereas the others were in the placebo (i.e. sham) condition. Word text reading, pseudowords decoding, and temporal attention (attentional blink), as well as electroencephalographic activity during the attentional blink, were measured before and after the training. The action video game + transcranial random noise stimulation group showed temporal attention, word text reading, and pseudoword decoding enhancements and P300 amplitude brain potential changes. The enhancement in temporal attention performance was related with the efficiency in pseudoword decoding improvement. Our results demonstrate that the combination of action video game training with parietal neuromodulation increases the efficiency of visual attention deployment, probably reshaping goal-directed and stimulus-driven fronto-parietal attentional networks interplay in young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Propiedades psicométricas de la “Escala de percepción del riesgo para el uso de la tecnología” en niños y adolescentes / Psychometric properties of the “Risk perception scale for the use of technology” in children and adolescents

Los objetivos de esta investigación son: 1) crear un instrumento válido y fiable que permita evaluar la percepción del riesgo que tienen del uso de la tecnología (móvil, Internet y videojuegos) niños y adolescentes; y 2) analizar la frecuencia con la que se dan algunas conductas de riesgo en función de la percepción, el uso de la tecnología y la edad. 807 niños y adolescentes de la provincia de Córdoba (España) respondieron una batería ad hoc que recoge información sobre datos sociodemográficos; uso problemático del móvil, internet y videojuegos; y percepción de riesgo con la “Escala de percepción del riesgo del uso de la tecnología para niños y adolescentes” (EPRUT). Los resultados indican que a partir del análisis factorial, la EPRUT cuenta con tres dimensiones que hacen referencia al móvil, Internet y videojuegos. Se han observado diferencias en función de la edad y la percepción de riesgo. Evaluar la percepción del riesgo favorecerá la detección y el desarrollo de programas de prevención de uso de la tecnología en niños y adolescentes.(AU)

The aim of this work is 1) to create a valid, reliable instrument with which toevaluate the risk perception of children and adolescents regarding their use oftechnology (cell phones, Internet, and video games); and 2) to analyze thefrequency with which some risk behaviors occur in relation to perception,technology use and age. 807 children and adolescents from the province ofCordoba (Spain) answered an ad hoc questionnaire with several instruments:sociodemographic data; problematic use of cell phones, Internet, and video games;and risk perception with the Scale on Risk Perception of Technology Use forchildren and adolescents (SRPTU). The results obtained from the factor analysisreveal that the RPSTU has three dimensions, related to cell phones, Internet, andvideo games, respectively. Differences were observed in the relationship betweenage and risk perception, with older people having the highest risk perception.Assessing risk perception will favor the detection and development of preventionprograms for the use of technology in children and adolescents.(AU)

Exergaming in augmented reality is tailor-made for aerobic training and enjoyment among healthy young adults.

In recent years, the use of exergaming for physical activity practice has gain in popularity but few is known about the use of augmented reality for physical activity, particularly at moderate to vigorous intensities. The present study examined the use of an exergame in augmented reality for aerobic training in healthy young adults. In a within-subject design, 18 participants (19.8 ± 1.4 years of age) have performed two physical activity sessions playing dodgeball. Indeed, they realized a classical dodgeball session and an exergaming session with an augmented reality version of dodgeball game. Physical loads and intensities were measured with accelerometers, RPE and heart sensors. Enjoyment experienced during the sessions was measured with the short version of the physical activity enjoyment scale questionnaire. Results revealed that both physical load and intensity were appropriate for aerobic training in the two conditions (i.e., classical and exergame in augmented reality) although values were significantly higher in the classical condition. Enjoyment was high in the two conditions with a higher significant value in the classical condition compared to the exergame in augmented reality condition. Put together, these results indicate that an aerobic state can be attained through both physical gameplay and its augmented reality equivalent and was associated to a high level of enjoyment among healthy young adults.

Interactive learning environment as a source of critical thinking skills for college students.

BACKGROUND: The cognitive skills underlying critical thinking include analysis, interpretation, evaluation, explanation, inference, and self-regulation. The study aims to consider the possibility and effectiveness of introducing the mobile game Lumosity: Brain Training into the learning process of first-year Philology students studying at Qiqihar University. METHODS: The sample included 30 volunteers: 15 girls and 15 boys, whose average age was 18.4 years. Before the experiment start, the respondents took a pre-test based on the Critical Thinking Skills Success methodology, which was developed by the American scientist Starkey. It was stated that intensive one-month training with the use of the Lumosity premium application in the classroom would improve critical thinking skills. RESULTS: The pre-test results showed that some respondents had had quite good critical thinking skills before the experiment as the average score was 22.13 out of 30 points. The effectiveness was evaluated using the Student's t-test for paired samples. It is established that there are significant differences between standard and empirical values (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The research can be of interest to those who study the issue of integrating an interactive learning environment into university and student programs, as well as those who consider critical thinking as a field of scientific knowledge and seek to develop critical thinking skills. The novelty of the study is the fact that students were allowed to use the app only during classes, but the research hypothesis was confirmed. This indicates that an interactive learning environment can be considered as a tool for developing students' critical thinking skills in the context of limited screen time.

A Biofeedback Based Virtual Reality Game for Pediatric Population (BioVirtualPed): A Feasibility Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This trial aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of BioVirtualPed, a biofeedback-based virtual reality (VR) game designed to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear in children undergoing medical procedures. METHODS: An Oculus Quest 2 headset was used in the VR experience, respiratory data was captured using an ADXL354 accelerometer, and these data were integrated into the game with ArdunioUno software. The sample of this study consisted of 15 pediatric oncology patients aged 6 to 12 years between July and August 2023. BioVirtualPed's acceptability, feasibility, and safety were evaluated through child and expert feedback, alongside metrics including the System Usability Scale, Wong-Baker Pain Rating Scale, Child Fear Scale, Child Anxiety Scale-Status, Satisfaction Scoring, and various feasibility and safety parameters. RESULTS: Regarding the acceptability, the expert evaluation showed a mean score of 122.5 ± 3.53, indicating high usability for the system. All children provided positive feedback, and both children and their mothers reported high satisfaction with using BioVirtualPed. The BioVirtualPed was feasible for reducing children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels. All the children complied with the game, and no one withdrew from the trial. BioVirtualPed did not cause symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, or nausea in children and was found to be safe for children. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that BioVirtualPed meets the following criteria: feasibility, user satisfaction, acceptability, and safety. It is a valuable tool to improve children's experience undergoing port catheter needle insertion procedures. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Integration of VR interventions with BioVirtualPed into routine nursing care practices has the potential to effectively manage the pain, anxiety, and fear experienced by children undergoing medical procedures. The safety, feasibility, and acceptability results are promising for further research and integration into pediatric healthcare practice.

[Substance use and the usage of social media, computer games, and gambling among apprentices at vocational schools]. / Substanzkonsum und Nutzung von sozialen Medien, Computerspielen und Glücksspielen unter Auszubildenden an beruflichen Schulen.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of the (problematic) consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis as well as the (problematic) use of social media, e­products, computer games, and gambling among apprentices. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey of 4591 apprentices at 17 vocational schools from Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg. Data was collected using questionnaires between March 2021 and April 2022. The primary endpoints were the 30-day prevalence and the problematic consumption and usage behavior of the mentioned substances/behaviors using screening instruments. RESULTS: Among the assessed substances/behaviors, social media were used most frequently by the apprentices with a 30-day prevalence of 97.7%, followed by alcohol (64.3%) and computer games (55.8%). Cigarettes were consumed by 35.1%, e­products by 17.9%, and cannabis by 15.4% of the apprentices. Of the apprentices, 12.2% reported having gambled in the past 30 days. Rates of problematic use were 47.4% for alcohol, 18.0% for tobacco, 6.2% for e­products, and 1.6% for cannabis. Problematic use of social media was indicated by 45.0% of the apprentices, of gambling by 2.2%, and of computer games by 0.7%. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that apprentices constitute a risk group for problematic substance use, indicating increased need for intervention. In particular, secondary prevention efforts in the areas of alcohol and social media should be taken into consideration due to their widespread prevalence in the vocational school setting.

Neural correlates of model-based behavior in internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder.

Background: An imbalance between model-based and model-free decision-making systems is a common feature in addictive disorders. However, little is known about whether similar decision-making deficits appear in internet gaming disorder (IGD). This study compared neurocognitive features associated with model-based and model-free systems in IGD and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Method: Participants diagnosed with IGD (n = 22) and AUD (n = 22), and healthy controls (n = 30) performed the two-stage task inside the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. We used computational modeling and hierarchical Bayesian analysis to provide a mechanistic account of their choice behavior. Then, we performed a model-based fMRI analysis and functional connectivity analysis to identify neural correlates of the decision-making processes in each group. Results: The computational modeling results showed similar levels of model-based behavior in the IGD and AUD groups. However, we observed distinct neural correlates of the model-based reward prediction error (RPE) between the two groups. The IGD group exhibited insula-specific activation associated with model-based RPE, while the AUD group showed prefrontal activation, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus. Furthermore, individuals with IGD demonstrated hyper-connectivity between the insula and brain regions in the salience network in the context of model-based RPE. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings suggest potential differences in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying model-based behavior in IGD and AUD, albeit shared cognitive features observed in computational modeling analysis. As the first neuroimaging study to compare IGD and AUD in terms of the model-based system, this study provides novel insights into distinct decision-making processes in IGD.

Othering Older People's Housing: Gaming Ageing to Support Future-Planning.

The 'othering' of ageing is linked to an integrated process of ageism and hinders planning for the future for both individuals and practitioners delivering housing and health services. This paper aims to explore how creative interventions can help personalise, exchange knowledge and lead to system changes that tackle the 'othering' of ageing. The Designing Homes for Healthy Cognitive Ageing (DesHCA) project offers new and creative insights through an innovative methodology utilising 'serious games' with a co-produced tool called 'Our House' that provides insights into how to deliver housing for older people for ageing well in place. In a series of playtests with over 128 people throughout the UK, the findings show that serious games allow interaction, integration and understanding of how ageing affects people professionally and personally. The empirical evidence highlights that the game mechanisms allowed for a more in-depth and nuanced consideration of ageing in a safe and creative environment. These interactions and discussions enable individuals to personalise and project insights to combat the 'othering' of ageing. However, the solutions are restrained as overcoming the consequences of ageism is a societal challenge with multilayered solutions. The paper concludes that serious gaming encourages people to think differently about the concept of healthy ageing-both physically and cognitively-with the consideration of scalable and creative solutions to prepare for ageing in place.

Examining the relationship between non-suicidal self-harm and suicidality within the past 12-months and gaming problems in Norwegian full-time students.

BACKGROUND: Although gaming problems are associated with poor mental health, few population-based studies have examined its association with self-harm and suicidality. This study investigates the association between gaming problems, non-suicidal self-harm and suicidality within the past year, stratified by sex among Norwegian full-time students. METHODS: Data derived from the Norwegian Students' Health and Wellbeing Study 2022 (N = 59,544). The respondents were categorized into non-gamers, recreational gamers, engaged gamers, problematic gamers, and addicted gamers based on the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents. Log-link binomial regression models, stratified by sex, adjusted for age, were used to estimate the risk ratio of non-suicidal self-harm (ideation and behavior) and suicidal behaviors (ideation and attempt) across different levels of gaming problems. RESULTS: Among females, the risk of non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation increased from non-gamer to problem gamer, with no differences between problem and addicted gamers. Among males, the risk of non-suicidal self-harm increased from non-gamers to engaged gamers, but no differences were observed between engaged, problematic, and addicted gamers. No sex × gaming category interaction was observed for suicide attempts. Engaged and addicted gamers had higher risks of suicide attempt than non-gamers and recreational gamers. CONCLUSIONS: Gaming problems are associated with increased risk of non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation among females. Among males, no differences were observed between engaged, problem and addicted gamers. The results highlight sex when studying health related outcomes and their association to level of gaming problems. Longitudinal studies are warranted to uncover the temporal mechanisms between IGD, non-suicidal self-harm and suicidality.

Electronic Media Use and Sleep Quality: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This paper explores the widely discussed relationship between electronic media use and sleep quality, indicating negative effects due to various factors. However, existing meta-analyses on the topic have some limitations. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to analyze and compare the impacts of different digital media types, such as smartphones, online games, and social media, on sleep quality. METHODS: Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the study performed a systematic meta-analysis of literature across multiple databases, including Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar, from January 2018 to October 2023. Two trained coders coded the study characteristics independently. The effect sizes were calculated using the correlation coefficient as a standardized measure of the relationship between electronic media use and sleep quality across studies. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 3.0) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Statistical methods such as funnel plots were used to assess the presence of asymmetry and a p-curve test to test the p-hacking problem, which can indicate publication bias. RESULTS: Following a thorough screening process, the study involved 55 papers (56 items) with 41,716 participants from over 20 countries, classifying electronic media use into "general use" and "problematic use." The meta-analysis revealed that electronic media use was significantly linked with decreased sleep quality and increased sleep problems with varying effect sizes across subgroups. A significant cultural difference was also observed in these effects. General use was associated with a significant decrease in sleep quality (P<.001). The pooled effect size was 0.28 (95% CI 0.21-0.35; k=20). Problematic use was associated with a significant increase in sleep problems (P≤.001). The pooled effect size was 0.33 (95% CI 0.28-0.38; k=36). The subgroup analysis indicated that the effect of general smartphone use and sleep problems was r=0.33 (95% CI 0.27-0.40), which was the highest among the general group. The effect of problematic internet use and sleep problems was r=0.51 (95% CI 0.43-0.59), which was the highest among the problematic groups. There were significant differences among these subgroups (general: Qbetween=14.46, P=.001; problematic: Qbetween=27.37, P<.001). The results of the meta-regression analysis using age, gender, and culture as moderators indicated that only cultural difference in the relationship between Eastern and Western culture was significant (Qbetween=6.69; P=.01). All funnel plots and p-curve analyses showed no evidence of publication and selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some variability, the study overall confirms the correlation between increased electronic media use and poorer sleep outcomes, which is notably more significant in Eastern cultures.

Mixed-methods feasibility outcomes for a novel ACT-based video game 'ACTing Minds' to support mental health.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of 'ACTing Minds', a novel single-player adventure video game based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). DESIGN: A single-arm, mixed-methods repeated measures feasibility study. SETTING: Intervention and questionnaires were completed at home by participants. Semistructured interviews were also conducted at home via the Zoom platform. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six participants were recruited into the study, 29 completed all phases of the feasibility design. Eligibility criteria required participants to be over the age of 18 and self-reporting experiencing ongoing depression, anxiety or stress. INTERVENTION: Participants completed a single session of the 'ACTing Minds' video game, lasting approximately 1 hour, designed to educate users on key principles from ACT. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant recruitment and retention, questionnaire completion, long-term intervention adherence and acceptability of the intervention. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on semistructured interviews run immediately postintervention and 3 weeks later. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological flexibility, social connectedness and well-being were assessed at baseline, immediately following intervention completion, and after a 3-week follow-up period. We used a standardised battery of questionnaires. PRIMARY RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants completed the study. A reflexive thematic analysis indicated that participants responded positively to the intervention and the study at all stages. Themes reflect participants' desire for an engaging therapeutic experience, use of game for exploring emotions, as well as their perspectives on how they had applied their learning to the real world. SECONDARY RESULTS: Quantitative results indicated small to large effect sizes associated with decreases in depression (ηp2 = 0.011), anxiety (ηp2 = 0.096) and stress (ηp2 = 0.108), and increases in psychological flexibility (ηp2 = 0.060), social connectedness (ηp2 = 0.021), well-being (ηp2 = 0.011) and participation in usual activities (ηp2 = .307). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the 'ACTing Minds' intervention is warranted, based on both qualitative and quantitative outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04566042 ClinicalTrials.gov.

Caring for screenagers (part 2): a pediatrician's primer on popular games and educational tools.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The internet has changed the way children can work and play. With the preferences of the youth population constantly evolving, it is important that parents and pediatricians continue to be informed of the ways children spend their time on the internet. Online gaming continues to soar in popularity, as does school usage of educational platforms. RECENT FINDINGS: Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft are three examples of games that have widespread popularity among youth populations. Though none of the game are designed to display graphic violence, sexual content, or other features that could be considered off-limits for children, there still ways for children to exposed to inappropriate material or engage with strangers. The rise in popularity of eSports also reflects changing attitudes about the value of gaming. On the educational side, school-student platforms and powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more and more prevalent. SUMMARY: Parents should not simply know which games or educational tools their children are using, but understand them. This article seeks to provide some insight into popular games and platforms so that parents and pediatricians can make better decisions about what children access.

[Primary prevention of computer game addiction in students of educational institutions]. / Pervichnaya profilaktika komp'yuternoi igrovoi zavisimosti u uchashchikhsya obshcheobrazovatel'nykh uchrezhdenii.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct the primary prevention of computer game addiction (PPCGA) in students of General education institutions (GEI), aimed at preventing the formation of CGA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 488 students in grades 7-10 of GEI aged 12-17 years (14.6±2.4 years), of which 393 adolescents, who made up the main group, received PPCGA and 95 - control, without PPCGA. RESULTS: Preventive measures were carried out without interrupting the educational process; they were carried out by addiction psychiatrists and medical psychologists. PPCGA was aimed at teaching students a healthy lifestyle, the development of their personal resources, the formation of skills to overcome problem situations, a change in the value attitude to computer games and the formation of alternative interests. In the main group, a decrease in the time interval spent by students at the computer was found (p<0.05). There was a decrease in the number of students (p<0.05), experiencing affective disorders when abstaining from the computer, including mild depression and subclinically expressed anxiety/depression, for whom computer games could lead to problems and negative consequences. An increase in the interval of time spent by students at the computer (p<0.05); an increase in the number of students experiencing affective disorders when abstaining from the computer (p<0.05); a trend towards the increase in the frequency of problems and delayed meetings and personal matters related to spending time at the computer; an increase in clearly uncommunicative (p<0.05) were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention of computer gaming increase the number of students who prefer a healthy lifestyle (physical education and sports, rational nutrition, sex education, family relationships) and reduce the number of people who prefer computer games as a form of leisure.