Chess as a therapeutic tool: Two studies show potential for improved quality of life
For several years, researchers at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) have been investigating whether chess-based cognitive training can also have therapeutic benefits. Two recent studies involving people with alcohol dependence, as well as children and adolescents with mental health conditions, now show that such training can improve quality of life and enhance cognitive abilities.
Two recent studies conducted by researchers at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH) suggest that chess-based cognitive training may have therapeutic benefits for people with alcohol dependence and mental health conditions. Chess requires attention, working memory, planning, impulse control, and problem-solving, making it a promising tool for enhancing cognitive abilities and improving quality of life.
In the first study published in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, participants with alcohol dependence underwent structured chess training alongside their regular treatment. The study found that participants maintained better attention and reported a higher quality of life compared to a control group. Furthermore, group training fostered communication and social interaction, leading to increased willingness to recommend the intervention to others.
A second study published in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry investigated the potential of chess-based training in adolescents undergoing psychiatric treatment. Over six weeks, adolescents aged 13 to 17 participated in the training in addition to their regular therapy. The results showed improvements in working memory performance, psychological well-being, and quality of life compared to a control group.
Both studies emphasize that chess-based cognitive training is not meant to replace established therapies but rather serve as a complementary approach. The findings indicate that this method can benefit diverse patient groups, with improvements in quality of life and specific cognitive functions observed. Researchers plan to conduct larger studies to determine the most effective patient groups and ways to integrate chess-based training into existing treatment approaches.
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