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Researchers at McGill University have developed computers games that aim to improve the player's self-esteem.
Could reducing insecurity and increasing confidence be as easy and fun as a computer game? At Montreal's McGill University, researchers believe it can-- their research has shown that specifically designed games can change negative thought patterns which lead to poor self-esteem. The GamesSince 2006, several games have been developed and marketed by MindHabits Inc. Beginning with the premise that insecurity and low self-esteem is often caused by anxieties of being liked, accepted and respected socially, the games aim to restructure the player's thoughts and feelings toward their social standing "automatically," without deliberate thought or awareness. The researchers' website features three games, which can be played online or downloaded onto your computer: 1. Grow Your Chi!: The purpose of the game is to click on your name and the smiling faces, avoiding the frowning faces, which float by on clouds. Points are gained and lost accordingly. The game aims to teach the player to avoid negativity and learn that positivity is rewarding 2. Eye Spy: The Matrix: This game features 16 faces that are randomly scrambled; 15 are frowning but one is smiling. The purpose is to find and click on the smiling face as quickly as possible. There is a timer, so the player can keep track of their improvement. The aim is to teach the player to look for positive social information and avoid negative information that damages self-esteem, ultimately conditioning the player to do so subconsciously. 3. Wham! Self-Esteem Conditioning: After entering one's name and birth date, the purpose of this game is to click on this information in one of four boxes where it is randomly displayed, then revealing a smiling face. Its aim is to create associations between yourself and social acceptance. Positive PsychologyThe idea of improving self-esteem through computer games follows the trend within psychology toward reinforcing positive mindsets and behaviors, as opposed to dwelling on those that are negative and unhealthy. Researchers are currently examining whether the results are long-term, helping people to develop positive, beneficial thought patterns over time through practice, thereby improving their working life, personal relationships, and overall well-being. In response to skepticism that such games would not extend to "real life," or may be limited to short-term effects, working people were asked to play the "Eye Spy" games every workday morning for 5 minutes over 5 days. Those who began the week with low self-esteem were most helped by the games, as by the close of the week their self-esteem was almost as high as those who started the week with high self-esteem.
The copyright of the article Games to Improve Self-Esteem in Psychology is owned by Kelley Wadson. Permission to republish Games to Improve Self-Esteem in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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