The relationship between the underlying mechanisms of a video game and depression in adolescence.

The aim of this project is to study the association between different constructs in the videogame Journey and depression in adolescence. The focus will be on two main elements in the videogame which both can be related to depression, namely anxiety and rejection sensitivity. Depressive symptoms will be measured using the Child Depression Inventory (CDI). Video game sessions of both groups will be videotaped and their heart rate will be measured during play. We expect that depressive adolescents will show a stronger increase in heart rate during, as well as a slower recovery afterwards, when they are left in the game or when they encounter fearful stimuli compared to non-depressive adolescents. Finally, these data will be combined with narrative perceptual data on experienced emotions while playing.

We expect that depressive adolescents will show a stronger increase in heart rate during, as well as a slower recovery afterwards, when they are left in the game or when they encounter fearful stimuli compared to non-depressive adolescents. Finally, these data will be combined with narrative perceptual data on experienced emotions while playing.

1. Screening of depressive symptoms (Child Depression Inventory);

2. Play video game.

30 adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms (CDI-score > 16) and 30 adolescents with very few depressive symptoms (CDI-score < 8) will play a promising game for depression prevention. During the whole game, heart rate will be measured and gameplay will be videotaped. In addition, subjective experiences will be asked during gameplay.