Exploring the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and role-playing games as an intervention for adults with social anxiety
Abstract
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) have increased in popularity as a hobby and allows multiple people to play together online or in person. Group activities such as TTRPGs have been used to improve social skills and mental well-being Although there is qualitative and anecdotal studies and reports about the efficacy of the therapeutic application of TTRPGs, no related studies have employed quantitative measures or mental health screening tools. This study explored whether intentionally introduced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered through the medium of TTRPG groups could positively affect social skills, reduce anxiety symptoms and behaviors, and enhance the mental well-being of participants. Data was collected from May 2020 to February 2021 using the Social Phobia Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, Social Skills Inventory, and Group Satisfaction Scale and debriefs with participants. The study was completed virtually. All the groups showed an average decrease in self-reported anxiety; one of the therapeutic TTRPG groups decreased in self-reported social anxiety, while the others remained the same. All of them showed improved social skill scores and the participants were very satisfied with the overall group experience, thus suggesting that their needs were met.
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In current intervention studies for SAD, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most widely used treatment paradigm.
“In current intervention studies for SAD, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most widely used treatment paradigm [11,12,13].”
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- Authors
- Varrette, M., Berkenstock, J., Greenwood-Ericksen, A., Ortega, A., Michaels, F., Pietrobon, V., & Schodorf, M.
- Affiliations
- The Bodhana Group
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (US)
- Corresponding author
- Varrette, Matthew
- Venue
- Social Work With Groups
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2022-11-18
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 140-156
- ISSN
- 0160-9513 (ISSN-L)
- 1540-9481
- OpenAlex
- W4309288325
- Cited by
- 29
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 4
- FWCI
- 4.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Social Work With Groups (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Therapy and Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational Games and Gamification
- Keywords
- tabletop role-playing games, cognitive behavioral therapy, social anxiety, group therapy, social skills, anxiety symptoms, psychological well-being, virtual group intervention, group satisfaction, Social Phobia Inventory, Social Skills Inventory
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