Group-based IMPROVE Therapy for Problematic Internet Use in University Students

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

IMPROVE Program: A manualized, group-based, multimodal integrative psychotherapy. It integrates CBT-informed strategies, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and Socially Interactive Exercise. Delivered over 8 weekly sessions (120 minutes each). Groups consist of 10-15 participants

Digital Psychoeducation Newsletters: Weekly newsletters pushed via WeChat containing psychoeducation on consequences of internet use and general advice for reducing screen time.

Study summary

Problematic internet use (PIU) is a growing behavioral health concern among university students. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and psychological mechanisms of "IMPROVE," a manualized, multimodal group-based psychotherapy. The IMPROVE program integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies with motivational elements, mindfulness training, and socially interactive exercise. In this randomized controlled trial, 600 university students with moderate to severe PIU will be randomized to either the 8-week IMPROVE intervention or an enhanced waitlist control group. The primary outcome is the change in PIU severity, assessed by the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) score, from baseline to the post-intervention endpoint (8 weeks).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Problematic Internet Use Severity (IAT Score) — Baseline (T0) and Post-intervention (Week 8, T2)
  Assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Scores range from 20 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater severity. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline to post-intervention

Trial sites (2)

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