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Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 1/2019

01-01-2019 | Original Contribution

Is REThink therapeutic game effective in preventing emotional disorders in children and adolescents? Outcomes of a randomized clinical trial

Authors: Oana A. David, Roxana A. I. Cardoș, Silviu Matu

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Abstract

Therapeutic games represent a promising solution for addressing emotional difficulties in youths. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the REThink game, in helping children and adolescents, to develop psychological resilience. Therefore, 165 children aged between 10 and 16 years were randomly assigned in one of the three groups: 54 participants in the REThink condition, 55 participants in the Rational Emotive Behavior Education condition, and 56 participants in the waitlist condition. Results indicated that the REThink intervention had a significant impact on emotional symptoms (a moderate-effect size, d = 0.46) and on depressive mood (a large-effect size, d = 0.84). Furthermore, REThink had a significant impact on children’s ability to regulate their emotions, with a significant effect on emotional awareness (d = 0.64), and on the ability for emotional control (d = 0.69). In conclusion, the implications of the REThink game are discussed in relationship with resiliency building programs designed for youths.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03308981.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Is REThink therapeutic game effective in preventing emotional disorders in children and adolescents? Outcomes of a randomized clinical trial
Authors
Oana A. David
Roxana A. I. Cardoș
Silviu Matu
Publication date
01-01-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1192-2

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