Kastens, Annabelle (2022) Combining Game Play and Movement - Tetris and Physical Activity in Relation to Intrusions of Trauma. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Experiencing intrusions counts as the main symptom of PTSD. These disruptive, involuntary flashbacks are often distressing and the individual has to relive their trauma. It has been proposed that the computer game Tetris might counteract the development of intrusions after experimental trauma. To investigate this, two parts of this thesis are presented. The first part is a literature review about Tetris and intrusive memory. The literature search was conducted within PsychINFO and Scopus. After screening, a total of 16 studies were included in the review of which the majority (13 studies) successfully found an effect of Tetris on intrusions. The aim was to provide context for the second part, replicating a previous study by Holmes et al. (2009). Visual imagery is supposedly affected by demanding visual-dual tasks that compete for working memory capacities. By disrupting memory consolidation, frequency and experience of intrusions might be influenced. One additional variable previously related to intrusions is physical activity (PA). An increased level of fitness seems associated with a decreased development of intrusions. Accordingly, we are extending the replication by assessing PA. Our sample of 62 students watched a 12-minutes film consisting of different stressful scenes. Afterwards, the experimental condition played Tetris while the control condition completed a perceptual vigilance task. Participants recorded any intrusions experienced in a diary for one week. At the follow-up session, diaries were collected and participants filled in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form to assess PA conducted during the previous seven days. Our results did not find a statistically significant difference of intrusions between the Tetris and the control condition. Also, we did not find a significant correlation between physical activity and diary intrusions. This study adds valuable information to the existing literature. It helps to further evaluate the implications Tetris might have in the future as a possible immediate intervention approach. Keywords: intrusions, intrusive memories, Tetris, physical activity, trauma film paradigm, post-traumatic stress disorder
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Wessel, J.P. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Apr 2022 13:35 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Apr 2022 13:35 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/391 |
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