New group therapy aims to curb internet addiction in college students

NCT ID NCT07434778

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests a group therapy program called IMPROVE for university students with moderate to severe problematic internet use. The program combines cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and exercise over 8 weekly sessions. Researchers will compare 600 students who receive IMPROVE to those on a waitlist to see if the therapy reduces internet addiction scores.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
IMPROVE Program (group-based psychotherapy combining CBT, mindfulness, and exercise)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide an effective, non-drug treatment option for students struggling with excessive internet use.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage trial with no prior results, so the therapy may not prove effective. The study also relies on self-reported internet use, which can be biased.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Motor Activity

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 360000, China

  • Zhejiang University

    RECRUITING

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 360000, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.