Mindlight
A Game-Changing, Evidence-Based Approach to Childhood Anxiety
MindLight is a neurofeedback video game designed to help children build emotional resilience and manage anxiety through play. Developed based on extensive research, including randomized controlled trials, MindLight incorporates evidence-based techniques such as relaxation methods, exposure therapy, and attention-bias modification.
Players guide a young boy through a haunted mansion, learning to face fears and control emotions, creating an engaging, immersive environment that makes mental health support both accessible and enjoyable.
Co-Developer
Isabel Granic (McMasters)
Design Studio
GainPlay studio
Institutions
Radboud University Nijmegen
Visit PlayMindLight.com to explore how this research-backed game blends science and entertainment to offer a powerful tool for anxiety prevention.
Studies
Over the years, several studies (including randomized clinical trials) have been conducted on MindLight, with positive results on child outcomes.
Computers in Human Behavior
Schoneveld, E. A., Malmberg, M., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., Verheijen, G. P., Engels, R. C., & Granic, I. (2016). A neurofeedback video game (MindLight) to prevent anxiety in children: A randomized controlled trial. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 321-333.
BMC psychiatry
Wijnhoven, L. A., Creemers, D. H., Engels, R. C., & Granic, I. (2015). The effect of the video game Mindlight on anxiety symptoms in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. BMC psychiatry, 15, 1-9.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Wijnhoven, L. A., Engels, R. C., Onghena, P., Otten, R., & Creemers, D. H. (2022). The additive effect of CBT elements on the video game ‘Mindlight’in decreasing anxiety symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-19.
Prevention Science
Schoneveld, E. A., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., & Granic, I. (2018). Preventing childhood anxiety disorders: Is an applied game as effective as a cognitive behavioral therapy-based program?. Prevention Science, 19, 220-232.