ePST

TF-CBT Triangle of Life is a game app designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. The app is based on Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy a science-backed treatment appropriate for this population. The app aims to help children and adolescents change their thinking and behaviors and reduce negative emotions. Users of the app embark on a journey to help animals deal with personal problems. These problems are addressed through discovering clues to help address the animals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through using the app, children and adolescents may build social and emotional skills by better understanding the feelings of the characters and learn ways to address and solve problems.
Read the Professional Review for TF-CBT Triangle of Life: A Professional ReviewAvailable for: Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Requires Android 2.3 and up.
Developer: Allegheny Health Network
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles
Targeted Conditions: Stress and Anxiety, PTSD
Target Audience: Adolescents, Children
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? Recommended
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Apple App Store, Google Play
In one study, researchers observed how children used the app and gathered feedback from the users. They were asked questions around the vocabulary the app uses, whether the app is enjoyable and fun, whether the introduction of cognitive triangle disturbs the fun of playing the app and so on. Researchers and developers used this feedback to help inform design and content changes for the app. (Assigana, E., Chang, E., Cho, S., Kotecha, V., Liu, B., Turner, H., … & Stevens, S. M. 2014. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2658537.2658684)
We review apps against rating criteria developed by experts in the field. Some of those criteria are:
We look at the research supporting the technology and the credibility of the development process.
We review privacy policies to see if key pieces of information about what happens with entered data are addressed.
We explore how fun, functional, easy-to-use, engaging, and interesting the technology is.
A professional in a relevant field downloads and uses the technology and writes a narrative review, highlighting pros & cons and some recommendations for use.