Part_One_Collection_Sources_NBrady
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Nadia L Brady
ENG 190
Prof. Karen Shields
25 Feb. 2024
Final Project Part I: Collection of Sources
In the contemporary landscape, where mental health awareness is on the rise, new and innovative strategies are being explored to address these pressing issues. Among these approaches, tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have emerged as a promising avenue due to their blend of creativity, social engagement, and therapeutic possibilities. Our research question explores how integrating TTRPGs into mental health treatment programs influences individuals' sense of community, social interaction, creative expression, and personal growth. By delving into
the specific mechanisms within TTRPGs that contribute to these therapeutic outcomes, a deeper understanding of the potential benefits of integrating TTRPGs in mental health interventions can be obtained and utilized.
TTRPGs can function as effective therapy tools by promoting social engagement and community involvement. By fostering a sense of belonging and social interaction, these games combat loneliness and allow participants to connect, build relationships, and establish supportive networks. Operating in a safe environment, TPGs facilitate social-emotional, communication, confidence, and emotional intelligence through playing. Anthony Bean's "Geek Therapy Professionals" examines how TTRPGs can be leveraged to engage clients creatively, enhance social interactions, and benefit mental health professionals. This source, found in Psychology
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Today, a respected publication in psychology and mental health, reinforces its credibility. It focuses on how TTRPGs can be valuable in therapy sessions, highlighting their importance in community engagement programs and their ability to address feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. (Bean).
In "Battling Demons," Hand examines TTRPGs as a therapeutic intervention for mental health issues, emphasizing their immersive and collaborative nature to aid emotional processing and enhance well-being. Published in Therapy Today, a respected mental health journal, the article's credibility underscores its significance. Hand highlights how roleplaying games facilitate
creative expression by enabling participants to craft characters, narratives, and settings. The creative outlet is therapeutic in a multitude of ways, promoting personal growth through self-
expression, a sense of achievement, problem-solving, teamwork, and skill-building, all of which translate into real-life benefits and enhance overall mental health and well-being. (Hand).
Malapani's article "COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health" discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the need for action to address the resulting mental health crisis. It explores various approaches to supporting mental well-being, including community engagement programs. The credibility of this source is established by being from the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, a reputable institution in the field
of mental health research and treatment. Regarding relevance, this source highlights the current mental health crisis caused by isolation and loss of community. It emphasizes the need for effective interventions, such as TTRPGs in community engagement programs, to address feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. (Malapani).
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The presence of bias in sources affects credibility and objectivity. Using biased sources weakens reliability, presenting one-sided views and neglecting opposing evidence. This can skew research findings and hinder a comprehensive understanding of a topic. In the mental health benefits of TTRPGs, biased sources may lead to an incomplete view, overlooking limitations. It's crucial to consider diverse perspectives to evaluate TTRPGs' therapeutic potential
accurately. (Ruszkiewicz).
The study "Exploring the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Roleplaying Games for Adults with Social Anxiety" investigates the effectiveness of merging CBT with roleplaying games to assist adults with social anxiety. It explores how TTRPGs can enhance social skills, promote interactions, and alleviate anxiety symptoms. Published in the peer-
reviewed journal "Social Work With Groups," this source gains credibility through expert evaluation. Delving into the mental health benefits of TPG participation for individuals battling social anxiety, it effectively examines the role of these games in community engagement initiatives, offering insights on symptom alleviation and personal development. (Varrette, et al.)
The diverse perspectives gathered from therapists, mental health professionals, and research institutions underscore the potential of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) to offer mental health benefits and serve as effective therapeutic interventions. These insights support the
notion that TTRPGs can help mitigate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression by fostering
a sense of community, providing social interaction, enabling creative expression, and promoting personal growth. By recognizing and exploring the specific mechanisms within TTRPGs that contribute to these therapeutic outcomes, it is evident that TTRPGs have a valuable role to play in enhancing mental health treatment programs and positively impacting individuals' well-being.
Works Cited
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Hand, Daniel. "Battling demons: Daniel Hand Explores Tabletop Roleplaying Games as a
Therapeutic Intervention." Therapy Today, Dec. 2021, pp. 38–41.
Bean, Anthony. “Geek Therapy for Professionals.”
Psychology Today
, Sussex Publishers, LLC, 13 Aug. 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/geek-therapy-
professionals/202008/geek-therapy-professionals.
Malapani, Chara. “Covid-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health.”
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry
, Columbia University, 9 Oct. 2020, www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/covid-19-and-need-action-mental-health.
Moore, Joe.
Are Games Art? We Asked Three Developers. Here’s How They Answered.
, The Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/ 2019/video-
games/are-video-games-art-makers-of-dreams-no-mans-sky-and-concrete-genie/.
Ruszkiewicz, John J.
How to Write Anything: A Guide and Reference
. 5th ed., Bedford/St. Martins, 2022.
Varrette, Matthew, et al. "Exploring the Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and
Roleplaying Games as an Intervention for Adults with Social Anxiety." Social Work with Groups, vol. 46, no. 2, 2023, pp. 140-156.