Effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (Rebt) on Excessive Mobile Phone Use among Adolescents

Abstract: The current small experimental study investigated if Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) using the ABCDE model would be a helpful intervention for reducing excessive mobile phone use in adolescents. Twenty adolescents were reported by their parents to spend excessive time on mobile phones, watching content and playing games, were selected for the study. The number of participants was divided into 2 groups: experimental group of 10 Adolescents and control group of 10 Adolescents. A standardized mental test was not used to assess mobile phone addiction. Parents, however, were asked about the daily use of the adolescents' mobile phones as well as how much time was spent on various activities including playing games or using the mobile phone. The experimental group had to participate in REBT sessions for the purposes of identifying irrational beliefs, challenging these beliefs, constructing rational beliefs, and gaining some practical skills for controlling mobile phone use. The REBT intervention was not given to a control group. The experimental group showed a decrease in mobile phone dependence after the intervention. Results indicate that REBT could be of some benefit as a psychological treatment for high mobile phone use in adolescents. The study was conducted with a small sample size, however, and a nonstandard psychological instrument, so the results of the study should be taken with a pinch of salt.