Impact of Serious Game on Depression in Students

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that can significantly impact students' academic performance and overall well-being. University life presents numerous stressors that can lead to depression, so early diagnosis and prevention are crucial. Traditional treatments have limitations, creating a need for innovative, less invasive alternatives. To address this problem, we developed Lonely Days, a serious game inspired by the principles of mindfulness. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to evaluate its impact. Depression levels were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and mindfulness levels were assessed using the Mindfulness Awareness Scale (MAAS). The results indicate that Lonely Days is a viable tool for preventing depression. Furthermore, the MAAS results also suggest an increase in levels of mindfulness among participants. This study shows the potential of Lonely Days as a preventive tool for depression in university students. Future research will focus on expanding the sample size and conducting in-person sessions to improve data quality and participant interaction. Overall, Lonely Days offers a promising approach to mental health intervention through engaging and accessible digital media.