The effective of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Internet addiction among university students. A systematic review

Emad Amkhatirah(1*), Mamdukh Budiman(2), Aml Mohammed(3), Naziah Alsherif(4), Yousif Manis(5), Ali Ali(6)


(1) Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
(2) Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia
(3) Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Libya
(4) Ali Alrewiei psychiatric center, Benghazi, Libya
(5) Radiology Department, College of Medical Technology, Benghazi. Libya
(6) Infection Control Department, Elmarj Teaching Hospital. Libya
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


The rapid growth of internet usage has led to the emergence of internet addiction (IA), particularly among university students, who face significant academic, social, and recreational reliance on the internet. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been recognized as an effective treatment for various behavioral addictions, yet its efficacy in addressing internet addiction among university students requires further investigation. This systematic review examines the impact of CBT on reducing IA symptoms among university students. A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was conducted to identify studies published from 2018 to 2023, focusing on CBT interventions for IA among university students. A total of eight studies were included, with findings from countries such as Iran, China, Nigeria, Palestine, and Morocco. Results from the studies demonstrated that CBT, including group-based and mindfulness-based approaches, significantly reduced IA symptoms, improved self-control, self-efficacy, and overall mental health. The positive effects were sustained over time, suggesting the long-term benefits of CBT. However, the review also highlighted several limitations, including the exclusion of non-English studies and a small number of studies. The findings suggest that CBT can be an effective and culturally adaptable intervention for IA among university students. Future research should explore larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and diverse cultural contexts to strengthen the understanding of CBT’s effectiveness. Educational institutions may also benefit from implementing preventative measures and awareness programs to address IA proactively.

Keywords


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,Internet addiction ,university students, intervention

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