The Effect of the Cognitive‐Behavioral Approach‐Based Psychoeducation Program on Social Media Addiction and Self‐Control of University Students Receiving Health Education
Erkan Durar, Fadime Kaya SoyluABSTRACT
Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effects of a cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT)‐based psychoeducation program (the Social Media Addiction Reduction Psychoeducation Program (SMARPP), on university students' social media addiction and self‐control.
Method
The study used pre‐test, post‐test, and follow‐up method with university students. Ninety‐five students took part. Data were collected using a general information form, the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), and the Short Self‐Control Scale (SSCS). The data were analyzed using basic statistics such as number, percentage, average, and standard deviation, as well as independent sample t ‐tests and variance analysis.
Results
The average age of the experimental group was 20.39 ± 1.81years, and that of the control group was 20.16 ± 2.09 years. In the experimental group, students' SMAS total scores and subdimension scores (occupation, mood regulation, conflict, and repetition) decreased significantly. Their total SSCS scores went up significantly ( p < 0.05). In the control group, there were no significant changes in the scores ( p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The SMARPP effectively reduced university students'social media addiction and increased their self‐control. In this regard, it is recommended that mental health nurses and psychological counselors working in schools apply the SMARPP.