Testing the efficacy of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for pathological internet use among undergraduates in Nigeria

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the effect of group cognitive-behavioral therapy (GCBT) on pathological internet use (PIU). Method The study applied a group randomized controlled trial design to assign participants to intervention and control groups. A total of 40 college students aged 18 to 30 who were pathological internet users (PIUs) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Participants completed a self-report scale entitled the Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS) at three time points. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The data collected were statistically analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The results showed that GCBT has significant efficacy, decreasing the symptoms of PIU among the GCBT participants compared to those in the control group and that the improvements were maintained at follow-up. We also found a significant interaction effect by time for PIU. Conclusion From the study findings, we can conclude that GCBT has significant benefit for mitigating the severity of PIU in college students. Therefore, mental health professionals are encouraged to explore the benefits of GCBT in treating symptoms associated with PIU in school settings and beyond.

【摘要】本研究旨在探讨团体认知行为疗法（Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, GCBT）对病理性网络使用（Pathological Internet Use, PIU）的干预效果。研究方法：本研究采用群组随机对照试验设计，将受试对象随机分配至干预组与对照组。共计40名年龄介于18至30岁的病理性网络使用者参与本研究，被随机分入治疗组与对照组。受试者分别在三个时间点填写《问题性网络使用量表》（Problematic Internet Use Scale, PIUS）完成自评。本次干预周期为8周，所收集的数据采用重复测量方差分析（Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance, ANOVA）进行统计学分析。研究结果：结果显示，与对照组相比，团体认知行为疗法可显著减轻病理性网络使用者的症状，且该改善效果在随访阶段仍得以维持。本研究同时发现，病理性网络使用情况随时间存在显著的交互效应。研究结论：基于本研究结果可得出，团体认知行为疗法对缓解大学生病理性网络使用的严重程度具有显著益处。因此，建议心理健康从业者在校园及其他相关场景中，进一步探索团体认知行为疗法在治疗病理性网络相关症状中的应用价值。