The Effect of Self-Control-Focused Psychoeducation Program on Digital Game Addiction and Impulsivity

This study aimed to examine the effect of a self-control psychoeducation program on digital game addiction and impulsivity. In the study, a 2x3 split-plot mixed design with experimental and control groups, pretest-posttest-follow-up test measurement was used. The study group of the research consisted of students studying in the 7th and 8th grades of a secondary school affiliated to the Ministry of National Education. A total of 20 students (10 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) participated in the study. The experimental group participated in a self-control-oriented psychoeducation program prepared by the present researcher, while the control group did not receive any treatment. The data were collected using the Brief Self-Control Scale, Barratt Impulsivity Scale, and Digital Game Addiction Scale. The results of data analysis revealed a statistically significant and negative relationship between self-control and digital game addiction. Similarly, a statistically significant and negative relationship was found between self-control and impulsivity. A statistically significant and positive relationship was found between digital game addiction and impulsivity. The findings also revealed that the self-control scores of the participants who participated in the self-control-oriented psychoeducation program increased, while their digital game addiction scores and impulsivity scores decreased. The results of the follow-up tests administered 2 months later were consistent with the previously obtained findings.