In Poland, the problem is even more severe: nearly half of respondents (45 percent) in a recent IPSOS Health Service survey said they frequently experience intense stress, and 35 percent admitted it negatively impacts their ability to work.
Alarmingly, the percentage of Poles worried about their mental health has more than doubled in six years, rising from 19 percent in 2018 to 40 percent in 2024.
To address this, researchers from SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities have developed an innovative tool: a board game called STRESmisja (StressMission). Designed to teach scientifically proven stress management techniques through psychoeducation, the game has already demonstrated its effectiveness in studies, reducing stress levels and teaching players practical coping strategies.
The game is designed to reach a broad audience, offering a unique blend of entertainment and education to help people navigate the increasing pressures of modern life.
Dr. Edyta Bonk, a psychologist from the SWPS University's Sopot campus, and one of the game’s creators, emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches to mental health.
“In an era of misinformation and unverified methods to deal with stress, we wanted to create something grounded in scientific evidence,” Bonk explained.
STRESmisja combines entertainment with education, guiding players through techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation methods, and cognitive strategies—many of which are recommended by psychotherapists. Participants collaborate to overcome a shared challenge, which fosters both learning and social connection.
“STRESmisja is more than just a scientific experiment,” Bonk said. “It’s a practical tool that can enrich lives and improve mental well-being.”
To ensure the game’s efficacy, researchers conducted a three-month study using psychological tests and measurements of the hormone cortisol, which is a biomarker for stress.
Results showed that regular gameplay not only enriched participants’ repertoire of stress-management techniques but also significantly lowered their stress hormone levels.
Further findings will be detailed in an upcoming peer-reviewed publication.
The game also demonstrated broad appeal across age groups. Qualitative studies included both younger adults, such as university students, and older adults.
While students valued the ability to own a copy of the game, seniors reported notable mood improvements after playing.
Both groups praised the game’s psychoeducational benefits and its ability to foster deeper understanding of oneself and others. Regardless of age, participants experienced reduced stress levels following gameplay.
To complement the game, the researchers have created a free resource—a compendium detailing the historical and scientific context of stress and offering 20 evidence-based methods for managing it. This additional material encourages players to explore and experiment with various techniques, empowering them to find the approaches that work best for their daily challenges.
Bonk highlighted the accessible nature of the project: "There’s no universal method for handling stress, which is why we’ve designed this game and compendium as tools that anyone can use in a safe, supportive environment," she said.
The creators aim to make STRESmisja widely available. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to fund production, with the hope that the game will become a valuable resource for teachers, psychologists and anyone seeking practical, science-based strategies for coping with stress.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, swps.pl, polskieradio.pl