A study published in the journal Psychological Science reveals that playing the classic game Tetris can help diminish traumatic memories. For individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress, intense flashbacks often resurface with varying frequency.
These intrusive and distressing recollections may be mitigated through Tetris. Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK discovered that playing the game within six hours of a traumatic event—during the brain's memory consolidation window—significantly reduces subsequent flashbacks. Even playing up to 24 hours later shows benefits in curbing memory resurgence.
How does it work? The game demands rapid visual processing, which interferes with the brain's handling of trauma-related imagery. It doesn't erase the memory but makes it visually less vivid.
The team is now exploring similar games to develop preventive treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While more research is needed before Tetris becomes standard in emergency rooms or police stations, these findings highlight a simple, accessible strategy worth considering—just download the app or dust off your old Game Boy.
