The Effectiveness of the Self-Control Training Video Game Slankers: A Pilot Study

Background Self-control and impulsivity are two antagonistic concepts, considered as the two extremes of a behavioral continuum. They are both multifaceted constructs mainly classified as the trait and state aspects. Given their important role in behavior regulation, there is a growing interest in developing programs to target self-control and impulsivity. In this study, we developed a serious game-based training that focuses on the three main cognitive mechanisms related to self-control and impulsivity including working memory, inhibitory control, and flexibility. Methods Seventy participants (ages 18-35) were randomly assigned to intervention and active control groups. The intervention group played the Slankers game over ten sessions in two weeks, while the active control group engaged in solving simple mathematical operations. Participants were assessed in terms of state and trait measures of impulsivity and self-control using the Stroop test, delay discounting questionnaire, Barratt impulsiveness scale, and Tangney Self-control scale at baseline and post-interventions. Results Tangney's self-control and attentional subscale of impulsivity scores improved over time, particularly in the intervention group. Significant effects of group (F = 3.24, p < 0.001), time (F = 30.09, p < 0.001), and their interaction (F = 36.57, p < 0.001) were observed for the Stroop interference effect, while no differences were found between the groups on the delay discounting task. Additionally, our data revealed that while the retention rate was similar between the groups, the Slankers game was rated significantly more attractive and was more likely to be recommended to others by the intervention group. Conclusions Our preliminary findings support the potential impact of the Slankers game in enhancing self-control and reducing impulsivity, as measured by the Tangney self-control scale and Stroop task. No convincing effect was found in delay discounting and the Barrett impulsivity scale, which might be explained by the relatively small sample size and low scores in these measures at the baseline in both groups. Given the appropriate feasibility and acceptability data, future research might also focus on optimizing the program and explore its effectiveness in a larger sample size using a comprehensive assessment.