Moving Stories
A Game-Based Approach to Youth Depression Awareness and Stigma Reduction
Moving Stories is an innovative, game-based school program designed to improve mental health literacy and reduce the stigma surrounding depression among youth. Developed through rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials, this interactive program uses engaging storytelling and gameplay to help students better understand depression, recognize its signs, and foster empathy towards those affected.
By integrating educational content with game mechanics, Moving Stories empowers young people to openly discuss mental health, seek help when needed, and support peers in a compassionate and informed way.
Co-Developer
Isabel Granic (McMasters)
Anouk Tuijnman
Evert Hoogendoorn
Design Studio
Ijsfontein, Amsterdam
Institutions
Radboud University Nijmegen
Erasmus university rotterdam
For more info on the game see MOVING STORIES to learn more about how this gamified approach is transforming mental health literacy for youth.
The research behind the program highlights its effectiveness in breaking down stigmas and promoting early intervention in schools, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient generation.
Studies
We conducted studies on the working mechanisms and effectiveness of Moving Stories.
JMIR mental health
Tuijnman, A., Kleinjan, M., Olthof, M., Hoogendoorn, E., Granic, I., & Engels, R. C. (2022). A game-based school program for mental health literacy and stigma on depression (moving stories): Cluster randomized controlled trial. JMIR mental health, 9(8), e26615.
JMIR research protocols
Tuijnman, A., Kleinjan, M., Hoogendoorn, E., Granic, I., & Engels, R. C. (2019). A game-based school program for mental health literacy and stigma regarding depression (moving stories): protocol for a randomized controlled trial. JMIR research protocols, 8(3), e11255.