Tetris as therapy; internet addiction and teens; the psychology of secrets
Jun 11, 2024
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In a fascinating discussion, Professor Emily Holmes from Uppsala University and Dr. Julie Highfield, a consultant clinical psychologist, reveal how Tetris can help ICU workers cope with traumatic memories. They detail a successful trial using the game as a mental health intervention during the pandemic. The conversation also touches on concerns about teenage internet addiction, debunking alarming headlines, and explores the psychology of secrets—how they weigh on our minds and affect our well-being.
Tetris has been shown to effectively reduce intrusive memories in healthcare workers by competing with their traumatic thoughts during distressing moments.
Concerns about internet addiction in teenagers may be overstated, as evidence does not necessarily confirm permanent changes to brain function from excessive use.
Deep dives
The Impact of Gaming on Mental Health
Playing video games, particularly Tetris, may serve as a potent psychological intervention to help individuals manage intrusive memories triggered by traumatic experiences. Research indicates that engaging with Tetris can distract the mind during moments of distress, effectively reducing intrusive thoughts, which are often linked to post-traumatic stress and other emotional burdens. Specifically, the mental process of rotating blocks in Tetris appears to compete with the brain's response to intrusive memories, allowing for these memories to become less vivid over time. This approach has been successfully tested with healthcare workers who faced overwhelming trauma during the pandemic, illustrating a unique application of gaming in mental health therapies.
Intrusive Memories and Their Effects
Intrusive memories are unexpected thoughts or vivid images related to traumatic experiences that can cause significant emotional distress and impact one’s daily functioning. Healthcare professionals, particularly those who worked in intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced these intrusive memories frequently as they faced life-and-death scenarios. Understanding these memories' nature, particularly how they can manifest as nightmares or flashbacks, is crucial for developing effective interventions. Research indicates that reducing the frequency of these memories can mitigate symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, thereby improving overall mental health.
The Burden of Keeping Secrets
Most individuals harbor secrets, which can pose a significant emotional burden and influence mental well-being. The act of keeping a secret often leads to cognitive strain, as individuals become preoccupied with the information they must conceal and may struggle with unresolved issues associated with those secrets. Research shows that confiding in a trusted person can mitigate feelings of isolation and emotional weight while providing necessary support and perspective. Choosing the right confidant is crucial; empathy, discretion, and assertiveness are key traits that can enhance the coping process associated with holding a secret.
Understanding Internet Addiction and Its Misconceptions
Recent studies have raised concerns about internet addiction and its effects on the teenage brain, but the findings are often misconstrued in media headlines. While certain studies indicate that excessive internet use correlates with changes in brain activation, the concept of internet addiction is not an officially recognized diagnosis, complicating the interpretation of these findings. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the observed brain differences are a cause of addictive behavior or merely a temporary effect of prolonged internet use. Therefore, it is imperative to approach the idea of internet addiction with a critical mind, separating scientific evidence from sensationalist headlines.
You probably know the video game Tetris, perhaps you’ve even played it, but have you ever thought about it as therapy? Claudia Hammond talks to Professor Emily Holmes from Uppsala University, about her work using Tetris as a psychological intervention for unwanted memories. During the pandemic many ICU workers found they were experiencing intrusive memories about the traumatic events they had experienced. Prof Holmes and her colleague, consultant clinical psychologist Dr Julie Highfield, ran a trial offering Tetris therapy to ICU workers and showed they could reduce intrusive memories significantly.
Next, you may have seen headlines this week suggesting that teenage brains could be worryingly and irrevocably changed by excessive internet use. It is the latest in a recent surge of concern about teenagers' relationship to technology. Claudia and studio guest, Sarah king from Sussex University, dig into the research and discover that the evidence isn’t as worrying as the headlines make it sound.
And do you have a secret? Apparently most of us do and we can't resist thinking about them even though that rumination can impact our wellbeing. Claudia discusses the psychology of secrets with Dr Michael Slepian from Columbia University in New York.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Lorna Stewart
Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire
Studio Manager: Emma Harth
Content Editor: Holly Squire
ICU workers testimony clips taken from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000j22z
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