Schatzsuche - ein Computerspiel zur Unterstützung der kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Behandlung von Kindern

Commercial computer games for children are blamed because of their association with aggressive behaviour. However, computer games can also be used innovatively in a psychotherapeutic setting. ‘Treasure Hunt’ is the first professional computer game based on principles of cognitive behaviour modification. It is developed to support cognitive-behavioural treatment of children aged 9-13 years. ‘Treasure Hunt’ integrates several strategies of healthy thinking that have been derived from empirically supported cognitive-behavioural treatment programmes. The game is not meant to substitute the therapist, but to support therapy by offering electronic homework and rehearsing the basic psycho-educational parts of treatment. Because of their clear profile and well-described aims, cognitive-behavioural treatment programmes form an ideal basis for the design of serious games that could support psychotherapy with children and adolescents.