A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of tabletop role playing game on meaninglessness among emerging adults

This study explores the under-researched concept of meaninglessness among emerging adults in Asia, addressing its limited exploration compared to meaning in life and its association with existential concerns and mental health. Highlighting the potential of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) as a group intervention, this study examines its impact on meaning in life through a true experimental design, filling gaps in the predominantly qualitative research on TTRPG and extending its application in Asian contexts. The study employed a quantitative, true experimental design with a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of TTRPG on meaninglessness, life crafting, meaning in life as our primary outcomes as well as empathy, proactive personality, self-reflection, and insight as the secondary outcomes. Ethical clearance was obtained, and 23 participants, randomized into experimental and control groups, underwent pre- and post-tests. The experimental group participated in three sessions of TTRPG, while the control group engaged in a focus group discussion reflecting on their current life experiences. Validated scales and observer tallies were used for measurement, and data were analyzed using paired t-tests and the one-way ANCOVA. The results provide preliminary evidence that there was change in the experimental group for proactive personality, presence and search for meaning in life, and reductions in existential meaninglessness (anxiety, concern, and insignificance). The control group also demonstrated changes in search for meaning and reductions in existential meaninglessness (concern and insignificance). However, the one-way ANCOVA revealed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. This study offers exploratory insights into the potential role of TTRPGs to support meaning in life, reduce anxiety about meaninglessness, and foster proactivity in a collectivistic context, though no significant differences were observed between experimental and control groups due to sample limitations and participant familiarity with psychological practices. Trial was not registered, as it was not required by the institutional ethics committee. This is acknowledged as a limitation of this study.