Gamification Strategies in Primary-School Mental Health Education: Theory, Practice, and Optimization

Authors

  • Jingyi Xue College of Humanities and Law, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/m318bj43

Keywords:

Mental Health Education, Primary-School, literature research, gamification frameworks, SWOT analysis.

Abstract

Against the backdrop of escalating mental health challenges among primary school students—such as a rise in anxiety disorders from 5.7% (2015) to 9.4% (2023) and over 60% facing sub-clinical distress—this study explores gamification’s application in primary school mental health education via literature research. It searches 5 databases (CNKI, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO) for studies from 2010 to 2024 using targeted Chinese/English keywords, applies strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, and organizes literature into 5 dimensions (theoretical basis, practical model, etc.). Three gamification frameworks (role-play & narrative, quest & points, cooperative competition & team) are identified, with case studies showing efficacy (e.g., 22% higher emotion-labeling accuracy). A SWOT analysis highlights strengths (enhanced engagement), weaknesses (teacher workload), opportunities (policy/tech support), and threats (commercialization). Finally, optimization strategies (tiered teacher training, curriculum integration, open-source resources, and ethical safeguards) are proposed, offering a scalable roadmap for evidence-based gamified mental health education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] D. Sadler, D. McCaughey, A. Metcalfe, et al. Teaching mental health in the classroom: A mixed-methods implementation evaluation of a mental health literacy program in elementary schools. Ment. Health Preven. 36200377-200377(2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhp.2024.200377

[2] D. Limberg, K.S. Gonzales, D. Hitchcock, et al. Counseling Services in International Schools: Opportunities for Counselors. Journ. Ment. Health Couns., 46(4), 335-351(2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.46.4.05

[3] N.R. Almatrooshi, M.S. Alshehhi, M.Y. Alhammadi, et al. ICAIMT — Cybersecurity awareness using gamification — a review. Journ. Inform. Knowl. Manag. (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219649225500698

[4] A. Alqarni, Network dynamics and the impact of gamification on computational thinking and visual programming in primary education. Journ. Educ. Comp. Resear. 63(5), 1186-1218(2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331251337628

[5] I. Srivastava, H. Sachdeva, S. Tyabji, Integrating gamification in design research: a pedagogical approach for design education in India. Disc. Educ. 4(1), 239-239 (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00685-2

[6] F. Behmanesh, G.Z. Shirvani, S. Ghaffarifar, et al. Designing, implementing, and evaluating a gamification approach in childbirth training for midwifery students using computer and mobile application. BMCME 25(1), 1050-1050 (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07370-w

[7] D. Cairns, Balancing teacher-led and student-led learning in science: the importance of cognitive load. Larg. Assess. Educ. 13(1):27-27(2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-025-00263-w

[8] K.M. M. AB, B.H. ABD, et al. Exploring medical students’ learning through interprofessional interactions in clinical clerkships: A qualitative analysis. Acad. Medicine, (2025).

[9] X. Yang, Y. Li, Long-term intervention through online courses in music education: Impact on assessment, performance, creativity, and musical culture. Acta. Psychol. 259105363(2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105363

[10] T. Salm, M.L. Brogden, A. Kornaga, The pandemic is over but it’s not over: health teachers’ perspectives post-pandemic lockdown. Curricul. Studi. Health Phys. Educ. 16(2): 242-258 (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/25742981.2024.2362857

Downloads

Published

02-07-2026

How to Cite

Xue, J. (2026). Gamification Strategies in Primary-School Mental Health Education: Theory, Practice, and Optimization. Transactions on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 16, 9-17. https://doi.org/10.62051/m318bj43