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Child psychologists, parents, and school administrators have more information now than in previous generations, about the causes of a child’s ineptitude in social situations. They know that a child who comes from an abusive home, regardless of the type or extent of abuse, can suffer socially.
Some children are resilient enough to bounce back, and may even be friendly and outgoing as a means of escape. Others, unfortunately, might become withdrawn, painfully shy, and frequently unhappy. Still others act out in aggressive ways that could be harmful to them and to other children.
Armed with this information, adults in a child’s life also know how to reverse some of the effects of abuse. Therapy with professionals is one course of treatment. Now, psychologists and child advocates are beginning to realize the benefit of therapy using video or computer games. This is most beneficial in cases where children react aggressively or impulsively among other children, making it hard for them to make and keep friends.
Social Benefits of Game-playing
Starting with easy games they can beat, children build self-confidence they lost from the abuse they experienced. Children who interact with one another while playing games, learn to take turns, learn good sportsmanship, and can develop self-esteem and self-concept, skills they need to make friends.
Children also learn self-control when practicing hand-eye coordination, learning to correct mistakes they make in the game, and being motivated to achieve the goal of successfully completing the game.
Using the normal techniques of therapy, such as talking about what is bothering them, one on one or in a group, along with playing therapeutic video game playing, alone or with others, builds the necessary skills children need to heal.
