Interesting research results for my favorite new smart phone app, Personal Zen (and it’s free). It’s a simple game based on proven psychological principles that make you feel good.
According to research published in the Clinical Psychological Science journal, playing the Personal Zen app may offer a number of behavioral and mental health benefits for people suffering from high levels of anxiety.
According to the lead author of the study Dr. Tracy Dennis, a psychologist from Hunter College, this can help to ease the gap between those who need mental health services and the availability of those services. Creating a smart phone game or app that contains scientifically proven interventions may help millions of people who are unable to seek mental health services.
The app is based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT), a new clinical approach to treating anxiety. The game requires players to trace the paths of two characters around the screen as quickly and accurately as they can. It’s somewhat repetitive, but still fun, especially if you are in the mood to zone out.
Results of the Personal Zen App Study
In the study, 78 participants who scored high on an anxiety survey played the game for either 25 or 45 minutes. They then gave a short speech that was recorded on video. Another group of participants played a game that was not designed with ABMT principles in mind, and then gave a speech. To asses the difference, the researchers documented the amount of nervous behavior on each of the video, and questioned the participants about how they felt about their performance.
The results showed that the ABMT app Personal Zen was effective. Participants playing the therapeutic game reported fewer negative feelings about their speech, and showed fewer nervous behaviors than those who played the general, non-therapeutic game. This was true whether the individual played for 25 or 45 minutes. Researchers are currently investigating whether even shorter periods of time will provide measurable benefits.
Additionally, Dr. Dennis hopes to study whether similar apps would be effective for patients who have been diagnosed with clinical anxiety. Researchers also believe that they may be able to develop games and apps for other mental heath conditions. These tools could be used in concert with traditional therapy, or on their own as a tool to promote mental wellness.
The beta version of the app referenced in the study is available in the App Store as Personal Zen. Dr. Dennis suggests that playing for 10 minutes a day, several days a week or right before a stressful event may help to reduce anxiety levels. It is important to note however, that this app is not yet validated as a clinical treatment for anxiety.
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Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
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