Group-based IMPROVE Therapy for Problematic Internet Use in University Students

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind trial will enroll 600 university students with moderate to severe problematic internet use and assign them to either the IMPROVE group therapy or an enhanced waitlist control. IMPROVE is a manualized, multimodal program combining cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational elements, mindfulness, and social exercise, delivered in group sessions. The trial will measure changes in PIU severity using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) from baseline to 8 weeks, with aims to evaluate efficacy, durability, and potential mechanisms of change. The study also includes digital psychoeducation newsletters and digital components to support accessibility and engagement. Participants must own a smartphone or similar device and meet eligibility criteria related to age, disease severity, and absence of recent psychotherapy or major psychiatric conditions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. be university students aged between 18 and 30 years;
2. report subjective suffering regarding their own internet use and score 50 or above on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), indicating at least a moderate level of PIU;
3. own a personal smartphone or other electronic communication device to ensure accessibility to digital intervention components;
4. provide written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. a self-reported history of substance use (excluding tobacco and alcohol) within the past 12 months;
2. current or previous participation in any form of psychotherapy for PIU;
3. the presence of severe physical or neurological conditions (e.g., organic brain diseases, history of traumatic brain injury, or coma);
4. a self-reported history of diagnosed psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).

Where it's running

• Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
  Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
• Zhejiang University
  Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yanhui Liao, PhD
• Email: liaoyanhui@zju.edu.cn
• Phone: +86 18814898844

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.