Game On! Researchers Develop Video Game to Help Teens Conquer Anxiety

In the ever-evolving world of technology, researchers are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to help teens combat anxiety - through therapeutic video gaming. The innovative game, Eco-Rescue, is designed to boost attention skills, a key focus in traditional therapy sessions, by training the brain to concentrate, block distractions, and respond more effectively to stressful situations. In this action-packed adventure, players assume the role of eco-pilots tasked with restoring damaged environments, tracking moving objects, adapting to sudden changes, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously, as difficulty levels progressively increase. The objective is simple yet challenging - restore balance while honing focus and emotional regulation skills. Dr. Jeremy Pettit, a psychology professor and executive director at FIU’s Center for Children and Families, spearheads the research collaboration with the University of Geneva. "Teens are already engrossed in digital media, making it an opportune platform to deliver effective interventions," he explains. FIU is the first U.S. site testing Eco-Rescue as part of a clinical trial, recruiting 50 adolescents aged 11 to 15. Over 150 participants are expected across all research sites, with subjects divided into three groups: those playing Eco-Rescue at home, others engaging in non-attention training games, and a control group using no game during the six-week study. Eco-Rescue players complete approximately 30 minutes of gameplay four days per week, totaling about 12 hours over the trial period. Researchers will then measure improvements in attention control, emotional regulation, and anxiety symptoms. "We're testing a new generation of attention-based treatments," Pettit notes. "If successful, it could provide adolescents with another tool for managing anxiety in their daily lives." The age group focus (11-15) is strategic as anxiety disorders often emerge during early adolescence, when the brain is still developing and more receptive to targeted interventions. Pettit's previous research indicates that enhanced attention control may alleviate anxiety symptoms for some teens who have not responded positively to conventional treatments. Unlike therapeutic games designed for challenges such as ADHD, Eco-Rescue targets the specific cognitive processes associated with anxiety rather than providing general brain training. The University of Geneva team contributes expertise in cognitive training and game design, while FIU's strengths in clinical trials and adolescent anxiety research complement the project, Pettit explains. Anxiety disorders are the most widespread emotional issues among adolescents, according to 2025 data from the World Health Organization (WHO). An estimated 4.1% of 10-to-14-year-olds and 5.3% of 15-to-19-year-olds experience anxiety disorders, with older adolescents showing higher prevalence rates. Depression affects an estimated 1.3% of adolescents ages 10 to 14 and 3.4% of those ages 15 to 19, sharing symptoms such as rapid mood changes and social withdrawal with anxiety disorders. The WHO emphasizes that these disorders can negatively impact school attendance, academic performance, and exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Eco-Rescue could offer a unique solution for adolescents struggling with anxiety or depression by providing an engaging and accessible platform for improving attention control, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellbeing. The future of therapeutic gaming looks promising as researchers continue to explore innovative methods for delivering effective interventions in the digital age.