Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?
All content for Gaining Advantage is the property of Wyrmworks Publishing and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?
Can Dungeons and Dragons Replace Therapy? How Roleplaying Games Support Mental Health
Gaining Advantage
36 minutes 48 seconds
12 months ago
Can Dungeons and Dragons Replace Therapy? How Roleplaying Games Support Mental Health
Dale Critchley speaks with Alyssia Merrick, a PhD candidate researching the powerful effects of Dungeons & Dragons on mental health. Discover the surprising benefits that TTRPGs offer to players of all experience levels, from reduced anxiety to enhanced self-esteem and community building. Alyssia shares insights into her research, exploring how D&D can serve as a tool for self-discovery and resilience—without requiring a therapist’s couch. Whether you're a skeptical newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this episode uncovers new ways to engage with D&D for personal growth.Alyssia Merrick (BPsych Hons) is a PhD candidate located at James Cook University, Townsville. Their research primarily focuses on the impacts of play on adults, with a particular focus on the employment of tabletop gaming as an intervention for wellbeing.00:00 – Fantasy Characters as Therapy?00:11 – Tabletop Games with Purpose: Introducing Andovir’s Gods01:14 – Why We Created a New Class: Meet the Ardent03:10 – Interview Introduction: Alyssia Merrick05:00 – Beyond Entertainment: How TTRPGs Support Mental Health08:13 – Research Findings: Mental Health Improvement After 8 Weeks10:57 – Character Creation as Self-Exploration11:29 – Surprising Results: New vs Veteran Player.13:46 – TTRPGs in the Bigger Picture of Wellness17:08 – Psychological Theories at Play: Flow and Self-Determination19:26 – Could D&D Improve Your Next Office Meeting?21:05 – Trauma, Personified: Combatting Personal Demons Through Play21:58 – Alyssia’s Three Wishes for TTRPGs25:48 – For New Players: Drop the Guard, Dive In28:24 – For Veterans: Foster Mental Health through Play30:17 – Ongoing Projects: Bringing Game Therapy to a Global Scale33:40 – Where to Connect with Alyssia35:06 – Thanks and FarewellLinksInvestigating Tabletop Gaming for Wellness Promotion: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082697954259
Alyssia’s Published Research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alyssia-Merrick-2
Free: Gods of Andovir: https://wyrmworkspublishing.com/lair/andovir/the-gods-of-andovir/
Ardent Character Class: https://wyrmworkspublishing.com/lair/andovir/ardent/
Wyrmworks Publishing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wyrmworkspublishing Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.Please leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice!
Gaining Advantage
Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons have inherent benefits, but what happens when people decide to level up their play by using the game to improve the lives of others? And how can YOU do the same with your game?
