Marić, Radoslav (2026) Effects of Trailer Framing, Familiarity and Narrative Mental Health Game on Stigma. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Mental illness remains highly stigmatised, and media portrayals may contribute to the persistence of negative stereotypes. While video games have the potential both to reinforce and reduce stigma, little is known about how promotional framing influences audience attitudes. The present study examined whether trailer messaging (mental health versus entertainment) affects stigma toward mental illness following gameplay, and whether familiarity with mental illness moderates this effect. In a between-subjects experimental design, 129 participants were randomly assigned to view one of two trailers for Fractured Minds, a short narrative-driven game depicting psychological struggles, followed by gameplay. Mental health stigma was measured before and after exposure. Results showed no significant differences in post-gameplay stigma between framing conditions. However, stigma significantly decreased from pre- to post-exposure, with a large effect size (η²p = 0.43). Familiarity with mental illness was neither a significant predictor of post-gameplay stigma nor a moderator. These findings suggest that immersive gameplay may reduce stigmatising attitudes regardless of promotional framing or prior familiarity. Interactive digital experiences may therefore hold promise for fostering empathy and improving public attitudes toward mental illness.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Poppelaars, M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Mar 2026 10:08 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Mar 2026 10:08 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6309 |
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