title: An evaluation of a solution focused computer game in adolescent interventions.
abstract: Many adolescents experience difficulties with traditional face-to-face mental health care approaches. Personal Investigator (PI) is a 3D computer game specifically designed for use in adolescent interventions. The game implements a model of Solution Focused Therapy. It aims to assist in easing the difficulties experienced by adolescents with direct face-to-face approaches. In sessions a therapist and adolescent sit together at a computer and play PI. Issues raised in the game serve as a context for more detailed discussions between the therapist and client. This article describes a study in which PI was used with 22 adolescent clients, attending mental health care services due to a variety of difficulties. Whilst further trials are required, results indicate positive benefits of using PI. PI can help in building an effective client-therapist relationship, can assist in structuring sessions, and can assist in improving client engagement in the therapeutic process.
authors.affiliation: Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. coyledt@tcd.ie
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sharry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D011340:Problem Solving; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D018910:Video Games