The Effect of the Cognitive‐Behavioral Approach‐Based Psychoeducation Program on Social Media Addiction and Self‐Control of University Students Receiving Health Education

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.