Investigating the Effectiveness of a Virtual-Reality-Based Mindfulness Intervention on Internet Gaming Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) presents a significant challenge, with high dropout rates in traditional treatments.
• Mindfulness interventions show promise but are often limited by long session durations.
• Virtual Reality (VR) is effective for IGD due to gamers' approach bias towards technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, VR-based mindfulness intervention for reducing IGD symptomatology.
• To explore a novel, time-efficient treatment approach for Internet Gaming Disorder.

Main Methods:

• A brief intervention using Attentional Focus Mindfulness sessions delivered via VR.
• Four weekly 20-minute VR mindfulness sessions were administered.
• Participants included individuals with IGD, recreational gamers, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms observed in the treatment group.
• A notable decrease in weekend gaming time was reported by participants undergoing the intervention.
• The intervention demonstrated potential as a cost- and time-effective treatment option.

Conclusions:

• Brief VR-based mindfulness is a promising intervention for reducing IGD symptoms and gaming duration.
• This approach may improve treatment adherence and reduce dropout rates, particularly among younger individuals.
• Further research with larger, randomized, longitudinal studies is warranted to confirm these findings.