Playfully Conquering Performance Anxiety

Abstract

Despite its significant impact on concentration and learning process, performance anxiety is an under represented topic in today’s primary schools. Even slight extents influence one’s cognitive, behavioural and physiological performance and – if untreated – might manifest and grow into clinical forms for some pupils. We present a serious game prototype for primary schools to introduce this sensitive topic and open discussions with pupil in class. Playing the game raises awareness to the topic and teaches a possible counter strategy in a playful way as a preventive strategy. As such, the game implements a broad base of cognitive psychology research and clinical knowledge in child-oriented way. It was designed in an iterative, user centred design process, using the Serious Games Assessment Framework as a design lens and closely supervised by a psychological therapist. First results of a focus group test are promising and prove accessibility and usability for children. The game seems to fulfill its central purpose, conveying information about performance anxiety and effective counter strategies.