Mindfulness-based therapy for adolescent internet gaming disorder: A feasibility and pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a prevalent issue among adolescents.
• Mindfulness-based interventions show potential for managing addictive behaviors, craving, and emotion regulation.
• Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of mindfulness for treating adolescent IGD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents with IGD.
• To evaluate the impact on IGD symptoms, craving, and emotion regulation.
• To gather participant feedback for intervention improvement.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week group-based mindfulness intervention was delivered to 23 secondary school students diagnosed with IGD.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured IGD symptoms, craving, and emotion regulation.
• Qualitative feedback was collected through open-ended questions.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in IGD symptoms (mean difference=1.13) and craving (mean difference=0.38) were observed post-intervention.
• Participants showed significant improvements in emotion regulation (mean difference=-6.91).
• The intervention was rated positively, with a preference for in-session mindfulness exercises.

Conclusions:

• The mindfulness-based intervention is feasible, acceptable, and effective for adolescents with IGD.
• The intervention is low-cost, time-efficient, and has high completion rates.
• Future research should include randomized controlled trials and examine long-term effects.