Read the Research Paper
About the study
Interested in learning more about the research behind Sparkle Quest? Read the full capstone paper, which discusses the project’s background, design process, findings, and the evidence that informed the game’s development.
Bautista, A. D. F., et al. (2026). Takot sa Turok: The role of cartoons in depicting trypanophobia in Filipino children. (Capstone research paper). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RpfOlukpM66cPnr-GRgjoAQiM3t2iDCy/view?usp=sharing
The CARD™ System
How it inspired Sparkle Quest
Sparkle Quest is built around the CARD™ framework—Comfort, Ask, Relax, and Distract—an evidence-based approach designed to improve children’s vaccination experiences. The game’s activities encourage children to practice these coping strategies before receiving a vaccine, helping them feel more prepared and confident.
British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. (n.d.). CARD™ system: A guide for immunization staff. https://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Immunization/Vaccine%20Info/CARD-system-staff.pdf
Hot Choco (Deep Breathing)
How it inspired Sparkle Quest
Hot Choco teaches children a simple breathing exercise by pretending to smell warm chocolate and gently blow to cool it down. Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, helping children manage anxiety and calm themselves during stressful experiences such as vaccinations.
Children’s Health. (n.d.). Breathing exercises for kids. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/breathing-exercises-for-kids
I Spy (Grounding Activity)
How it inspired Sparkle Quest
I Spy encourages children to focus on objects around them, helping shift attention away from fear. Grounding and mindfulness techniques like this help children stay present, reduce anxious thoughts, and build emotional regulation during potentially stressful situations.
Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). The power of mindfulness. https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-mindfulness/
Medical Role Play (Play Doctor & Meet the Tools)
How it inspired Sparkle Quest
Play Doctor introduces children to common medical tools before a vaccination visit. Research on medical role play and Teddy Bear Hospitals shows that allowing children to explore healthcare through play helps reduce fear, increases familiarity with medical environments, and encourages positive attitudes toward healthcare professionals. This inspired Sparkle Quest’s Play Doctor activity, where children safely interact with medical equipment before their “Sparkle Shot.”
Hallas, D., et al. (2021). Directed medical role play for children: Review of the Teddy Bear Hospital implementations, objectives and reported experiences. Children, 8(2), 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8020128
Schlapbach, L. J., et al. (2021). Directed medical role play for children: Review of the Teddy Bear Hospital implementations, objectives and reported experiences. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354465330_Directed_Medical_Role_Play_for_Children_Review_of_the_Teddy_Bear_Hospital_Implementations_Objectives_and_Reported_Experiences