Abstract
This study examined the impact of therapeutic tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) on mental health stigma and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment among adults in Sacramento, California. Using a pre-test/post-test design, the study measured participants’ willingness to seek professional mental health services before and after engaging in a structured TTRPG intervention incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles. Participants (N=67) were assessed using the Mental Health Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS), which evaluated shifts in perceptions of therapy, self-stigma, and openness to treatment. Results indicated a statistically significant increase (-0.26, p = 0.029) in positive attitudes toward mental health services following the intervention, with notable reductions in self-stigma and increased willingness to discuss mental health concerns. Demographic analysis revealed that male participants and younger adults exhibited the most substantial attitude shifts. Findings suggest that interactive, narrative-based interventions like TTRPGs may serve as an effective tool for reducing mental health stigma and promoting help-seeking behaviors. Implications for social work practice, therapeutic interventions, and mental health policy are discussed.