Group-Based Interventions for Adolescents with Gaming Disorder or Problematic Gaming Behavior: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Although gaming disorder (GD) is prevalent during adolescence and group-based interventions (GBIs) prove highly beneficial for substance use disorders, much remains unknown regarding their utility for addressing problematic gaming (PG) and GD. This systematic review thus explores the potential value of GBIs for adolescents with PG/GD. Recent Findings With the inclusion of PG/GD as a potential diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 and the acceptance of GD as a psychological disorder by the World Health Organization in 2019, research on this topic has proliferated. Although reviews to date have accorded attention to cognitive behavioral therapy, technology-based interventions, or focused on broader conditions such as “Internet addiction,” none has exclusively focused on GBIs or adolescent populations. Summary The findings from the eight retained studies suggest a positive impact of GBIs on adolescent PG/GD. Nonetheless, the particular benefits of “the group” as a modality remained largely unaddressed. Future research should adopt more rigorous designs to understand its underlying mechanisms.