Adolescents' and Parents' Perspectives: A Gaming Disorder Intervention in Singapore

In: Family relations, Band 70, Heft 1, S. 90-103

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand useful components and mechanisms in treating adolescent gaming disorder.BackgroundAlthough video gaming has become a pervasive part of adolescents' daily life that can lead to educational, physical, psychological, and social problems, there is ongoing debate as to whether this is an addiction, and there is little evidence about treatment effectiveness.MethodThis process research used a case study design and conducted individual semistructured interviews with 10 male adolescents and 11 parents after they had completed a treatment program.ResultsFour treatment components (individual counseling, family counseling, group mentoring and social support, and alternative activities) were generally found to be useful. Counselors were able to engage the adolescents and serve as role models in gaming through creative use of technology.ConclusionPractitioners working with adolescents with gaming disorder should attend to their developmental needs pertaining to gaming, health, psychosocial, and educational aspects relevant to the Asian context.ImplicationsPractitioners should go beyond counseling rooms and adopt different strategies to reach out and work with adolescents who are struggling with excessive gaming in different therapeutic settings via engaging and working with them in individual, family, and group contexts using technology, particularly video games.