Study Shows Tetris Reduces PTSD Symptoms: A New Approach to Healing
Video games can be entertaining and may also help with healing. A Swedish study shows that playing Tetris can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of a guided Tetris session may last up to six months.
The research took place from September 2020 to April 2022 and was published in the journal BMC Medicine. A total of 164 participants joined the study, which aimed to lower or eliminate flashbacks—unpleasant mental images after a traumatic event.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group played Tetris, while the other group listened to a philosophy podcast. The results showed a clear difference. Healthcare professionals who played Tetris experienced fewer intrusive memories.
Initially, participants averaged 15 flashbacks per week. After five weeks, the podcast group reported five flashbacks weekly, while the Tetris group had only one. Six months later, the Tetris players had half the problems compared to the podcast listeners.
– How does Tetris gameplay help reduce PTSD symptoms?
Interview with Professor Emily Holmes on Tetris and PTSD Treatment
News Directory 3: We are joined today by Professor Emily Holmes from Uppsala University, who recently led groundbreaking research published in BMC Medicine, demonstrating the potential of playing Tetris to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thank you for joining us, Professor Holmes.
Professor Holmes: Thank you for having me.
News Directory 3: Your study involved a unique approach to treating PTSD. Can you explain how Tetris is beneficial in this context?
Professor Holmes: Absolutely. Our research explored how engaging with Tetris can help individuals manage intrusive memories that often arise after traumatic events. The core idea is that playing Tetris requires mental rotation and manipulation of visual information, which can occupy cognitive resources and reduce the vividness and frequency of these distressing memories.
News Directory 3: That’s fascinating! What was the structure of your study?
Professor Holmes: We conducted our research from September 2020 to April 2022, involving 164 participants who had experienced trauma related to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were divided into two groups: one group played Tetris while the other listened to a philosophy podcast. The goal was to observe how each activity affected their frequency of flashbacks.
News Directory 3: And what were the results?
Professor Holmes: The findings were quite striking. Initially, participants reported an average of 15 flashbacks per week. After five weeks, those who played Tetris experienced only one flashback weekly, compared to five from the podcast group. Impressively, six months later, Tetris players continued to report significantly fewer intrusive memories.
News Directory 3: That’s a remarkable reduction. What do you think accounts for the long-lasting effects?
Professor Holmes: The prolonged benefit likely stems from how Tetris engages the brain. It not only occupies the mind during gameplay but also appears to reorganize how memories are processed. The mental exercises involved in playing may help users move past traumatic incidents more effectively, akin to a mental vaccine that provides early intervention against PTSD.
News Directory 3: Could this approach be integrated into more traditional therapeutic practices?
Professor Holmes: Yes, I believe this could revolutionize how we support individuals experiencing trauma. Brief digital interventions, like a guided Tetris session, could be easy to implement in clinical settings, providing immediate, low-stress support without deep dives into trauma narratives. This aligns with evolving therapeutic models that are increasingly incorporating technology.
News Directory 3: What are your hopes for the future of this research?
Professor Holmes: I envision a future where tools like Tetris become a standard part of mental health care. By integrating these types of interventions, we can better assist healthcare professionals and others in managing early symptoms of PTSD in a safe, effective way.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Professor Holmes. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to explore innovative methods for healing trauma.
Professor Holmes: Thank you for the opportunity to share this important research.
Researchers believe Tetris occupies the brain with images, which helps lessen the frequency and vividness of traumatic memories. Professor Emily Holmes of Uppsala University, who led the study, explained that the treatment involves “mental rotation.”
Holmes found the method surprisingly effective and noted the symptoms improved for six months. She emphasized that a short session using video games can help without in-depth trauma discussions. The study provides controlled evidence that a single guided digital session can reduce intrusive memories safely.
Holmes envisions a future where tools, like Tetris, could help people, such as healthcare professionals, manage early PTSD symptoms after traumatic events, much like a vaccine for physical diseases.