New App Uses Gamification to Combat Negative Thoughts and Depression
A new study from Harvard University, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, reveals that a mobile app designed to disrupt negative thought cycles can significantly reduce depression symptoms. The app, developed by Professor Moshe Bar and colleagues, uses interactive mini-games to break ruminative thinking, a major contributor to depression. In a large-scale trial, participants using the app showed faster and more substantial mood improvements compared to a control group, with benefits lasting beyond the study period. This gamified approach offers a novel, accessible supplement to traditional mental health treatments.