Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy on Reducing Levels of Internet Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Nursing Students in Morocco

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a serious threat to the mental health of young individuals. Objectives: The present study aimed to test the effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on controlling Internet addictive behaviors and improving levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students in Morocco. Methods: A total of 60 nursing students participated in the study based on convenience sampling and were then randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). The intervention group received 8 sessions of CBGT, unlike the control group. The Internet Addiction Test and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were used as the pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up tests to determine participants’ levels of IA, depression, anxiety, and stress. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to assess the effects of this therapeutic intervention. Results: The results showed that following the CBGT program, the intervention group showed a reduction in IA (P < 0.05), depression (P < 0.05), anxiety (P < 0.05), and stress (P < 0.05) scores. Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy was observed to be more effective in improving the cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills of Internet-dependent nursing students, thereby reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. This outcome opens up important perspectives in the field of health sciences education by considering this approach as a preferred way to promote students’ mental health in this context.