Move by move towards mental health: A pilot study on chess as a therapeutic approach in adolescents with mental disorders

BackgroundMental disorders affect approximately 14% of adolescents worldwide, often leading to persistent cognitive and emotional difficulties and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Executive functions (EF)--including cognitive flexibility, inhibition, attention, and working memory-- are particularly impaired in many psychiatric conditions. Chess has recently been proposed as a low-cost cognitive remediation training (CRT). This pilot study investigated whether chess-based CRT could enhance EF and HRQoL in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. MethodsA quasi-experimental design was conducted at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mannheim, Germany (September 2022-April 2024). Participants aged 13-17 years were assigned to either a six-week chess intervention (experimental group, EG) or treatment as usual (control group, CG). Both groups received standard multidisciplinary therapy, while the EG additionally participated in weekly 90-minute chess sessions based on The Kings Plan for Kids. Cognitive flexibility (DCCS), inhibitory control (Stop-Signal Task), sustained attention (d2-R), and working memory (n-back task) were assessed alongside HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-27). Data were analyzed using t-tests. ResultsThirty-three adolescents were included (19 EG, 14 CG; 82% female). While no significant group differences emerged for cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, or sustained attention, the EG showed significantly faster reaction times in the working memory task (p = .016, d = 0.79), suggesting improved cognitive efficiency. Psychological well-being increased significantly in the EG compared to the CG (p = .035, d = 0.67), whereas physical well-being showed a non-significant upward trend. ConclusionChess-based CRT was associated with enhanced psychological well-being and improved working memory efficiency in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Although other EF measures did not show significant changes, findings support the feasibility and potential clinical value of chess as an engaging, low-risk adjunct to standard therapy. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results.