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Group-based IMPROVE Therapy for Problematic Internet Use in University Students
Sponsor: Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital
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).
Official title: Effectiveness and Psychological Mechanisms of Group-based IMPROVE Therapy for Problematic Internet Use in University Students: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
600
Start Date
2026-03
Completion Date
2028-06
Last Updated
2026-02-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
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.
Locations (1)
Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China