Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy program for high risk students of internet game addiction. Seventy-seven middle school students were selected based on the scores of internet game addiction diagnostic scale and game time. Among 72 students, 42 students agreed to participate in our program and 30 students were selected as control group. This program consisted of 9 therapy sessions and 2 parents education session. Each session was held for an hour and half per week. It consists of (1) recognizing game behavior and revising cognitive distortion (2) discovering appropriate alternative behavior (3) uplifting self-control (4) resolving game-related relational conflicts (5) preventing relapse - managing crisis situation. The measurements of the psychological variables related to game were administered before and after the treatment. Group differences were analyzed using ANCOVA. The results of this study were as followings: 1) There were significant differences between therapy group and control group in Daily game time and internet game addiction diagnostic scale. The effectiveness of the therapy was generally maintained at the 8 weeks follow-up test. 2) There were also significant differences between two groups in impulsiveness and depression. The effectiveness of the therapy was also maintained. 3) There were positive tendencies in family relationships, self-control, anxiety and loneliness within therapy group. 4) There were positive results in parents and home room teacher's evaluation. 5) The effectiveness of therapy were analyzed using regression, it was found that explanation variable at the range of 31%. On the basis of results, it was concluded that the cognitive -behavioral program for high risk students of internet game addiction was effective in protecting internet game addiction. Finally, implications of present study were discussed.