The effects of interactive video games combined with LEGO game therapy on social anxiety in rural left-behind children
2024

Video Games and LEGO Therapy Help Reduce Social Anxiety in Left-Behind Children

Sample size: 84 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Peng Dianhui, Wu Xinbo, Yang Yaqi, Li Xiaolin, Shu Anni, Liang Junwen, Tu Zengying, Liu Le, Yang Qian, Dong Weixin, Lu Chunxia

Primary Institution: Hunan Normal University

Hypothesis

Can interactive video games and LEGO game therapy effectively reduce social anxiety in rural left-behind children?

Conclusion

Both LEGO therapy and interactive video games significantly reduce social anxiety in left-behind children, with the combined approach being the most effective.

Supporting Evidence

  • Social anxiety scores decreased significantly in the combined intervention group compared to the control group.
  • Interactive video games foster peer engagement and social skills.
  • LEGO therapy enhances communication and teamwork among children.
  • Both interventions showed significant improvements in social anxiety levels over time.
  • The combined approach yielded the most pronounced effects on reducing social anxiety.

Takeaway

Playing video games and building with LEGO can help kids who feel anxious around others feel better and make friends.

Methodology

The study used a single-blind randomized controlled trial design with 84 participants assigned to different intervention groups over 12 weeks.

Potential Biases

Potential biases from self-reporting and the single-blind design may affect the accuracy of the findings.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported measures of social anxiety, which may be biased, and used a single-blind design that could influence participant responses.

Participant Demographics

Participants were 84 rural left-behind children aged 9 to 11, with 46 males and 38 females.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1423755

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