SPARX: a self-help computer programme for young people with symptoms of depression

Abstract

The Sparx game is our first ‘Serious Games’ project designed and developed for the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of the University of Auckland and funded by the Ministry of Health New Zealand. We are designing and developing in conjunction with the University of Auckland a computer-administered self help programme for adolescents suffering from depression. This initiative is a New Zealand first. Sparx is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It’s a therapy that can be very helpful for people with depression.