Resource-Strengthening Training for Parents of Adolescents with Problematic Gaming (Res@t-P): A Clinical Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Problematic gaming (PG) has become an increasing mental health issue among adolescents during the preceding years. The role of parents and the family environment in the development of PG has been repeatedly emphasized. However, the structured involvement of parents in the therapy is still largely insufficient. Resource-strengthening training for parents of adolescents with PG (Res@t-P) is a new parent-centered 8-week group intervention to fill this substantial gap. The present pilot study aimed to collect first information on its potential effectiveness in improving parental and family factors. Methods: The study was conducted in a clinical setting with N = 43 parents of adolescents with PG, applying a pre- and post-follow-up design. Standardized questionnaires on psychological stress perception, family communication, family functioning, media rules, and adolescent PG symptoms were applied at three measurement points (before, at the end of, and 6 weeks after the training). Conditional growth models were estimated. Results: Over time, an improvement in parental and family aspects as well as a reduction in adolescent PG symptoms could be observed. Conclusions: The results of the present pilot study on the effectiveness of Res@t-P are promising. No causal inferences can be drawn at this stage. A randomized-controlled intervention study is highly warranted.

An app-based training for adolescents with problematic digital-media use and their parents (Res@t digital): protocol for a cluster-randomized clinical trial

“…Res@t digital is the app-based translation of a manualized CBT-based treatment package comprising offline programs for adolescents with GD (Res@t–A offline ) and their parents (Res@t–P offline ( 64 )). A detailed description of the original program package and its further development can be found in a recent publication by Paschke et al ( 22 ).…”

“…Res@t was created within the theoretical framework of the Trias model of addiction ( 20 ) based on clinical experiences and up-to-date research findings on the etiology of DMUD and potentially effective treatment components. During the developmental process, qualitative interviews and focus groups had been conducted with clinical experts, affected adolescents, and their parents on needs and program requirements ( 26 , 64 ). The findings were considered for the final Res@t version.…”

“…effective treatment components. During the developmental process, qualitative interviews and focus groups had been conducted with clinical experts, affected adolescents, and their parents on needs and program requirements (26,64). The findings were considered for the final Res@t version.…”