Matthew Loo

Hello!

My name is Matthew. I grew up on O'ahu and grew up in Waikele. I graduated from Pearl City High School, Class of 2021, and atteneded University of Hawai'i West Oahu immediately after that. If I were an artist's tool, I would be an eraser. I constantly flip-flop on whether something I am currently doing is good enough, and have a bad habit of wiping the slate clean, always thinking I can do better.

Research Topic: Video Game and Mental Health

Research Question: Can Video Games Aid in the Improvement of Self-Esteem?

Abstract:

Video games have emerged as a promising tool for supporting mental health treatment, offering cognitive, emotional, and social benefits that extend beyond their recreational value. This capstone examined the therapeutic potential of video games by analyzing their ability to promote stress relief, enhance mental resilience, and strengthen social connections among individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Evidence from recent studies suggests that structured gameplay can improve cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and coping strategies, while immersive environments provide opportunities for relaxation and the alleviation of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, multiplayer and cooperative gaming experiences foster a sense of community and social support, which are critical factors in mental health recovery and maintenance. By synthesizing current research findings, this study argues that video games represent an effective, accessible, and underutilized approach to therapy, warranting greater integration into mental health care practices. Future directions for research and clinical applications are also discussed, emphasizing the need for targeted game design and therapeutic frameworks.

Capstone Project: Video Game

Project Title: Watch Your Step

Capstone Proposal:

CREATIVE PROCESS:

The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.

DELIVERABLE:

For his senior capstone, Matthew Loo created an original game titled Watch Your Step, inspired by his research on the therapeutic potential of video games in supporting mental health. His study explored how structured gameplay can promote stress relief, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social connection—key elements in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Drawing from current research on both single-player immersion and cooperative gaming, Matthew designed his game to reflect principles that encourage resilience and mindful engagement. Watch Your Step demonstrates how intentional game design can contribute to well-being and highlights video games as an accessible, underutilized tool within mental health support and recovery.

Go and check it out!

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