Development and Effectiveness of Humanities-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adolescents With Problematic Gaming...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Adolescent Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Problematic gaming, including Internet gaming disorder (IGD), is a growing concern among adolescents.
• Co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often accompany problematic gaming.
• Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches may benefit from innovative, tailored interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel humanities-based CBT program for adolescents (11-15 years) with problematic gaming.
• To assess the program's impact on symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving adolescents diagnosed with IGD symptoms.
• Comparison between a humanities-based CBT group (n=20) and a control group receiving supportive therapy (n=21).
• Assessment of IGD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The humanities-based CBT program led to significant reductions in anxiety, ADHD, and IGD symptoms.
• Statistically significant differences were observed in IGD and anxiety scores between the intervention and control groups.
• Positive correlations were noted between depression and IGD, and between anxiety, depression, and IGD post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• A humanities-based CBT program effectively reduced problematic gaming and associated mental health symptoms in adolescents.
• Integrating humanities and writing into therapy demonstrates a positive impact on adolescent IGD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
• Further research is recommended to explore the effectiveness of humanities-based therapy in diverse adolescent populations and settings.