Therapeutically Applied RPGs to Support Adolescent Social Connection and Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic’s negative impact on youth social and emotional health in the United States and worldwide is well documented. This study explores the ways in which virtually delivered Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games can support youth social/emotional development. The current study used parents and youth interviews to assess youth’s experiences with such a group. Inductive thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ descriptions of their experiences with therapeutically applied role-playing games, social and emotional development, and online programming during the pandemic. Benefits of the intervention included social connections with peers, practice with challenging scenarios, opportunities for self-expression, practice perspective taking, and engagement with storytelling and creativity. Results also suggest that there are benefits to these groups during the pandemic, as noted by participant reports in the areas of social connections and collaborative problem solving. Virtually delivered therapeutically applied role-playing groups may be a cost-effective and accessible intervention to support youth during the pandemic and beyond.