Volume 35, Issue 254 (3-2026)
J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026, 35(254): 96-107 |
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Raheb G, Hasanvandi M, javadi S M H, Abbasi Zagheh E, Sohrabnejad S, Babakhanian M. Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Managing Internet Addiction in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2026; 35 (254) :96-107
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22568-en.html
URL: http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-22568-en.html
Ghoncheh Raheb 
, Mojgan Hasanvandi , Seyed Mohammad Hossein Javadi , Esmayil Abbasi Zagheh , Sajad Sohrabnejad , Masoudeh Babakhanian
, Mojgan Hasanvandi , Seyed Mohammad Hossein Javadi , Esmayil Abbasi Zagheh , Sajad Sohrabnejad , Masoudeh Babakhanian
Abstract: (117 Views)
Background and purpose: Internet addiction has emerged as a significant psychosocial challenge in recent decades, particularly affecting young adults and adults. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recognized as an evidence-based approach targeting maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns associated with excessive internet use while enhancing coping skills and time management. Despite numerous studies, the absence of a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis represents a critical research gap. This study was designed to answer the primary question: "How effective is CBT in reducing internet addiction symptoms in adults?" and to compare the efficacy of individual versus group interventions.
Materials and methods: A systematic, in English and Persian language was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Magiran, and IranMedex databases (1975-2025). Randomized experimental and clinical trials implementing CBT interventions among adults over 18 years (diagnosed with internet addiction using standardized tools) were included. Blinded screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (CONSORT checklist) were performed independently by two researchers. Data synthesis utilized random-effects meta-analysis, I² heterogeneity testing, subgroup analyses (individual vs. group CBT), meta-regression (age, gender, intervention duration), and trim-and-fill for publication bias adjustment. All analyses were conducted using Stata version 17.
Results: Meta-analysis of 7 studies (842 participants) yielded a standardized mean difference of SMD=2.48 (95% CI: 0.85-4.12; P<0.001), indicating substantial CBT effectiveness in reducing internet addiction symptoms. Group interventions demonstrated statistical superiority (P=0.03). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I²=97.2%). Quality of life showed no significant improvement (SMD=-0.16; P=0.35). Meta-regression identified no significant moderators. Results remained stable after sensitivity analysis and bias adjustment, although one influential study was identified.
Conclusion: CBT, particularly group interventions, effectively reduces internet addiction. High heterogeneity and unexplained variability necessitate standardized protocols, larger sample sizes, and long-term follow-up in future studies.
Materials and methods: A systematic, in English and Persian language was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Magiran, and IranMedex databases (1975-2025). Randomized experimental and clinical trials implementing CBT interventions among adults over 18 years (diagnosed with internet addiction using standardized tools) were included. Blinded screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (CONSORT checklist) were performed independently by two researchers. Data synthesis utilized random-effects meta-analysis, I² heterogeneity testing, subgroup analyses (individual vs. group CBT), meta-regression (age, gender, intervention duration), and trim-and-fill for publication bias adjustment. All analyses were conducted using Stata version 17.
Results: Meta-analysis of 7 studies (842 participants) yielded a standardized mean difference of SMD=2.48 (95% CI: 0.85-4.12; P<0.001), indicating substantial CBT effectiveness in reducing internet addiction symptoms. Group interventions demonstrated statistical superiority (P=0.03). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I²=97.2%). Quality of life showed no significant improvement (SMD=-0.16; P=0.35). Meta-regression identified no significant moderators. Results remained stable after sensitivity analysis and bias adjustment, although one influential study was identified.
Conclusion: CBT, particularly group interventions, effectively reduces internet addiction. High heterogeneity and unexplained variability necessitate standardized protocols, larger sample sizes, and long-term follow-up in future studies.
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
psychology
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