"The Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Playing Tetris"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by National Geographic
Psychologists are studying whether playing Tetris can help reduce the number of flashbacks or intrusive memories people have after a traumatic experience. Initial studies have shown that playing Tetris within hours of trauma can significantly reduce the occurrence of flashbacks. In addition, playing Tetris for several weeks has been found to reduce the frequency of specific traumatic memories. Researchers believe that any task with high visuospatial demands may achieve similar results. While playing Tetris on its own may provide temporary relief, it is not a substitute for evidence-based treatment for flashbacks and trauma-related symptoms. Further clinical studies are underway to explore the long-term effects of Tetris on flashbacks and its potential application in other conditions.
