Introduction
Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among college students who often experience newfound freedom and access to digital devices. The study titled "The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling Intervention on College Students’ Internet Addiction: A Pilot Study" offers insights into an effective intervention strategy. This blog explores how practitioners can apply these findings to improve therapeutic outcomes for students struggling with IA.
Understanding the Research
The pilot study examined the impact of solution-focused group counseling on college students with moderate to high levels of IA. Participants were divided into an experimental group, which received five weeks of group counseling, and a control group, which did not receive any intervention. The Revised Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) was used to measure IA symptoms before and after the intervention.
Results indicated that the experimental group experienced significant reductions in IA symptoms, particularly in compulsive use, withdrawal, and tolerance. These improvements were sustained in a follow-up test conducted six months later, suggesting long-term benefits of the intervention.
Implementing Solution-Focused Group Counseling
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based approach that emphasizes clients' resources and potential for change. It involves identifying exceptions to problems, setting achievable goals, and using techniques like miracle and scaling questions. Here’s how practitioners can implement SFBT in group settings:
- Goal Setting: Encourage students to articulate specific changes they wish to achieve regarding their Internet use.
- Exploring Exceptions: Help students identify times when they successfully managed their Internet use and discuss strategies that worked.
- Utilizing Scaling Questions: Use scaling questions to help students assess their current Internet use and progress towards their goals.
- Facilitating Group Interaction: Promote sharing of experiences and mutual support among group members to foster a sense of community and accountability.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to explore the applicability of SFBT across different populations and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to consider conducting their own research to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting solution-focused interventions.
Conclusion
Solution-focused group counseling presents a viable option for addressing Internet addiction among college students. By focusing on students' strengths and fostering a supportive group environment, practitioners can facilitate meaningful and lasting changes in Internet use behaviors. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling Intervention on College Students’ Internet Addiction: A Pilot Study.
