Tetris Being Used in a Research Study

[lrs]

I have been seeing some articles regarding research done at Oxford.
They are using a game called Tetris.
From what I can tell, I don't think they have actually used it on a person with PTSD.
They enlisted some volunteers to watch graphic episodes of violence and mayhem for a few minutes. Immediately following that, half of the volunteers played tetris for a few minutes, and the other half just sat still.
Everyone then kept a diary for a week.
The volunteers who played tetris had fewer traumatic flashbacks than the group who did not play.
I have heard of this game, but have never played it. Evidently it is a difficult game.
Very Interesting Stuff...

 

[midi]

Wow! I used to play this game for HOURS on end. Well, I was calm when I was playing it!

 

[kers]

Midi, me too! I used it as a tool to help me space out (dissociate) when things got rough during the ongoing trauma so I didn't have to deal with it.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I could never play it. Couldn't get the pieces turned around or fitted into the places they should be. It drove me batty....:eek: But then again,, it's a short drive... LOL!!!!

 

[cragger65]

Hmm, that's very interesting. I guess engaging your logical brain would lessen the emotional brains activity and impact on thinking? I think I know what I'm buying myself for a belated Christmas present now.

 

[lrs]

I might give it a go myself. I am curious about the degree of difficulty about this game.
I did not get the impression they were saying this would cure ptsd if you already have it. I think the context was that if you played this game immediately following a traumatic event, it might lessen the chance of developing ptsd.

 

[2quilt]

I used to be addicted to that game, then to Mahjong tile matching. Then my computer got a newer operating system, and I lost those games. I wish I had them now.

 

[Luthien]

I wonder if other games that use the same area of the brain have the same effect. I have been playing "Brainage2" on my sister's Nintendo DS, It is meant to specifically exercise different areas of the brain in order to creat different neuropathways and apparently it makes your brain more effective.

I find it to be very engaging, especially the Sudoku, it is more fun to play on the game system than on paper, because they evaluate you and give positive feedback if you're doing well. I wonder if it could be used as a tool to help PTSD...something to think about.

Thanks for the topic.

 

[kers]

2quilt, MahJong is what I do now when I am getting really stressed out! It calms me down so much.

 

[LosFrida]

This has to be on of the coolest studies ever:smile:. I loved playing this game as a kid and young teen. Sill would if I could find a computer version.

 

[reallydown]

I love Tetris...but not sure about it being calming...Maybe this is 'a tad' psychotic...I'd actually get anxious about turning the pieces properly in time...Unforunately, I no longer have it on my computer...