Young : Therapy with Internet Addicts - 3

Question 1

Therapy with Internet Addicts

Answer 1

1. Young in 2007

2. Studies the effectiveness of CBT with people addicted to the internet.

Question 2

Background of the young study

Answer 2

internet addiction has been seen as a specific mental health problem which means little is known about its treatment

Question 3

Aims of the young study

Answer 3

1. investigate the effect of using CBT to treat a group of patients diagnosed with internet addiction to see how their behaviour improves

Question 4

Procedure of the young study

Answer 4

1. A group of 114 participants who were shown to have an addiction to the internet but not any other psychological problems were chosen
2. They were given a course of online CBT where they had functional analysis and skills training to help stop using the internet. The therapist also worked with the patient to solve other problems that could increase their internet use such as problems at home, work, or school
3. Participants filled a questionnaire during the 3rd, 8th, and 12th online therapy session and again 6 months after finishing the CBT
4. The questionnaire included 12 questions where participants rated their behaviour or feelings on a 5 point scale.
5. Questions included rating your ability to control computer use and ability to engage in offline activities among others. It as designed to measure how well CVT was working to treat the symptoms of addiction

Question 5

Results of the young study

Answer 5

1. Slightly more males used than females
2. Over the 12 sessions, the average rating of the quality of CBT sessions improved and they had a better attitude and relationship towards the sessions and their therapists
3. There was improvement over the 12 weeks of therapy

Question 6

Conclusion of the young study

Answer 6

1. CBT can be an effective treatment for internet addiction because clients reported na increase in their ability to control problem behaviours
2. There are long-term benefits as even 6 months later, the clients did not relapse

Question 7

Strengths of the young study

Answer 7

1. online sessions of CBT can be useful in treating internet addiction which can help encourage people to access treatment for addiction as some people may be embarrassed or find it difficult to see a therapist
2. Using the same questions and rating scale across all questionnaires made the data more reliable
3. People of different ages, backgrounds, and genders were used

Question 8

Weaknesses of the young study

Answer 8

1. clients filled in questionnaires about their own feelings and behaviour, which might not be accurate. People may lie on the questionnaire when they know the desired outcome (that they are supposed to be getting better)
2. different types of internet addiction were identified (online gambling , pornography, internet chat rooms) and it is not clear whether all types achieved the same effects from treatments