ANALOG GAMES AND INTERGENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL HEALTH: AN ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

Abstract

This study aims to investigate differences in perspectives on mental health between high school students and teachers at a state-public school. We propose conducting this investigation by examining the relationship these two groups have with a specific cultural artifact: analog games. The research originated from the creation of a board game by the author of this article. Titled Psico, the game aims to address mental health in a lighthearted and dynamic way. Thus, we explore whether the motivation to produce a mental health-themed game—which sparked interest among school peers—might reveal the broader perspective on mental health held by the current generation of high school students. Surveys were administered to two groups: teachers and high school students. The results suggest that the current generation of students shows greater interest in mental health topics compared to the group of teachers. We also highlight findings indicating that mental health remains somewhat of a taboo subject among the teachers, whereas students perceive it more naturally and openly.