Improving cognitive control in individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder through social reward interventions

Mechanisms and Interventions of Social Reward Modulating Cognitive Control in Internet Gaming Disorder Via the dACC-DLPFC Circuit

Not applicable Interventional The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University · NCT06957392

This study is testing if a self-help program that boosts social rewards can help people with Internet Gaming Disorder improve their focus and control over their gaming habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bengbu)
Trial IDNCT06957392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between social reward sensitivity and cognitive control in individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). It aims to enhance cognitive control by improving social reward through a systematic self-help training program. The research employs psychological interventions and neuroimaging techniques to explore the dACC-DLPFC brain circuit's functionality in IGD patients. Participants will undergo various assessments, including behavioral paradigms and event-related potentials, to evaluate the effects of social reward on cognitive control.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals aged 18 to 35 with a significant gaming history and a high score on the Gaming Disorder Screening Scale.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or other significant mental health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive control and reduced symptoms in patients suffering from Internet Gaming Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that enhancing cognitive control through psychological interventions can alleviate symptoms of IGD, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged between 18 and 35 years, irrespective of gender, having completed a minimum of 9 years of education and capable of effectively cooperating in questionnaire evaluations.
* Consent to actively cooperate in the completion of subsequent follow-up assessments.
* All are right-handed
* The Gaming Disorder Screening (GDSS) Scale score ≥ 47 points;
* The main game played is Honor of Kings; Average weekly gaming time (Honor of Kings) greater than 21 hours, maintained for over one year; More than 50% of daily internet time spent playing online games;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive functional impairments manifested through a history of head trauma, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., or usage of cognitive enhancement drugs in the past 6 months; an intellectual disability with an IQ score less than 70.
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses as per the DSM-5 criteria.
* Abuse or dependence on other psychoactive substances (excluding nicotine) within the past 5 years.
* Severe organic diseases that might compromise study participation.
* Color blindness or color weakness

Where this trial is running

Bengbu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Internet Gaming DisorderInternet gaming disorderCognitive controldACC-DLPFCSocial reward
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.