SPARX
SPARX
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A New Zealand-based online programme for young people aged between 12 to19 years who are experiencing depression, anxiety and/or stress.
| SPARX | By University of Auckland |
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Features
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| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Clinical review |
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| Security and privacy | Does the app:
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| Cost | Free |
| Advertisements | This app contains no ads. |
| How to access the course |
SPARX is a self-help game that provides the user with practical and interactive ways to learn strategies to fight depression, anxiety and stress – the game provides the user with practical tools/CBT strategies to overcome unhelpful thoughts through behaviour strategies and problem-solving skills.
SPARX is a computer program that helps young people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress. It is based on a type of ‘talking therapy’ called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- At the start of SPARX you meet the Guide, who explains what SPARX is and how it could help you.
- You then customise your avatar and journey to the 7 provinces to complete quests that restore the world's balance and defeat the pesky negative thoughts, called Gnats.
- Along the way, you will meet different characters, solve puzzles and complete mini games.
- As you complete each quest, the Guide will explain how you can use your new skills to feel better, solve problems and enjoy life in the real world. Each level takes about half an hour.
- Young people are asked to only complete 1–2 levels at a time (with a break of 1–2 weeks) to allow time to practice the newly learned skills in the “real” world between sessions.
For the complete app description, go to the course website(external link), Google Play(external link), iTunes(external link), and for a detailed review, see reviews below.
| PROS | CONS |
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✔ Offers CBT skills including breathing and relaxation, activity scheduling, problem solving, cognitive skills and social skills. ✔ Uses an engaging interface of a fantasy game to support learning objectives. ✔ Support is available through online chat and an associated help line offered via an accredited health/counselling provider. ✔ All instructions and educational aspects are vocalised, meaning instructions don’t need to be read. ✔ Culturally appropriate for NZ audience – created in Aotearoa for New Zealand youth. ✔ Allows users to repeat sessions to review content. ✔ Great repetition of skills throughout whole programme that builds coping strategies over time. |
✘ Some skills such as activity planning and structured problem solving are taught only superficially with little interactive facility to practice skills. ✘ Homework tasks only loosely defined with no commitment from user required and little follow up on homework tasks. ✘ No interaction with programme between “sessions”, although this is encouraged so the user can apply the newly learned skills in the “real” world. |
Clinical review
Reviewer: Jasmine Murphy, Registered Psychologist, Private Practice
Date of review: August 2023
Platform: Android
Version: 1.0.0
Comments: Excellent app which provides the user with practical and interactive ways to learn strategies to fight depression, anxiety and stress through a virtual world that subsequently encourages the user to apply newly learnt skills in their real world. SPARX is well-designed virtual game which is appealing to the audience it is intended for (12–19 year olds).
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Yes
Resources
SPARX – Information for friends and whānau(external link) Sparx NZ
SPARX – teachers and health professionals(external link) Sparx NZ
References
Merry SN, Stasiak K, Shepherd M, et al. The effectiveness of SPARX, a computerised self help intervention for adolescents seeking help for depression – randomised controlled non-inferiority trial(external link) BMJ, 2012;344:e2598.
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
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