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🇵🇾 Paraguay /Health & Science

Anime as Therapy: An Innovative Path for Mental Health

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Psychiatrist Francesco Panto is researching the use of anime as a therapeutic tool for depressed youth in Japan, aiming to reduce stigma around mental health help.
  • A pilot study involved online therapy sessions where a psychologist appeared as an anime avatar with a digitally altered voice, creating a 'fantasy filter' for participants.
  • Panto developed six distinct anime characters based on manga archetypes, each embodying specific mental health struggles, to help patients feel comfortable expressing their issues.

In Japan, psychiatrist Francesco Panto is exploring an innovative approach to mental healthcare, investigating the potential of anime as a therapeutic tool for young people struggling with depression. Panto, who found personal solace in anime during his adolescence in rural Sicily, believes this vibrant Japanese animation genre can offer significant emotional support to others, particularly those hesitant to seek traditional help.

The use of manga and anime helped me a lot (...), they were very important emotional support tools.

· Francesco PantoPsychiatrist Francesco Panto shared his personal experience and belief in the therapeutic benefits of anime.

Panto recently concluded a six-month pilot study at Yokohama City University, titled 'Character-Based Therapy.' The trial involved 20 participants aged 18 to 29 who exhibited symptoms of depression. These individuals received online therapy from a psychologist who presented as an anime avatar, complete with a digitally modified voice. Panto theorizes that this 'fantasy filter' can create a more comfortable environment, enabling patients to acknowledge and address their problems more readily.

They were so masculine and cool, but in their own way.

· Francesco PantoPanto described the male protagonists in video games that resonated with him during his youth.

To facilitate this, Panto and his team designed six unique characters, each inspired by specific archetypes found in Japanese manga. These avatars were crafted to represent various mental health challenges. For instance, one character embodies a stable, nurturing 'maternal energy' persona, while another is a perceptive, princely figure. Participants were given the freedom to choose the avatar they felt most comfortable with during their sessions.

I tried to imbue each character with a specific mental struggle. One of the characters is called Kuroto Nagi. She presents bipolar personality traits.

· Francesco PantoPanto explained the design philosophy behind the anime avatars used in his therapy study.

Panto explained that each character was imbued with a specific mental struggle. One character, Kuroto Nagi, exhibits traits of bipolar disorder, while others grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or alcohol-related issues. Despite the serious nature of the conditions addressed, Panto emphasized that the overarching goal is for these avatars to be 'fun,' making the therapeutic process more engaging and less intimidating for young adults.

But the idea is that the avatars are 'fun,'

· Francesco PantoPanto described the intended user experience of the anime avatars in therapy.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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