Comparative effectiveness of exercise and art therapy programs in treating internet gaming disorder among adolescents: an 8-day intensive intervention study.

Abstract

This study compared the effectiveness of exercise and art therapy programs for adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), investigating their impacts on gaming symptoms, psychological functioning, and behavioral problems. Forty-seven adolescents with IGD (aged 9-14 years) participated in either an 8-day exercise program (n = 23) or art therapy program (n = 24). Outcomes were assessed using the Korean Internet Addiction Scale (K-scale) and Korean Youth Self Report (K-YSR) at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Both interventions demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing IGD symptoms (ηp² = 0.493) and improving psychological functioning. Withdrawal symptoms showed the strongest response (ηp² = 0.497), while improvements in anxiety/depression (ηp² = 0.562), aggressive behavior (ηp² = 0.516), and attention problems (ηp² = 0.514) were also substantial. No significant differences were found between the two programs (F(1, 45) = 1.870, p = 0.167, ηp² = 0.082). Although some regression occurred during the one-month follow-up, significant improvements were maintained across all domains compared to baseline (total score: MD = 9.98, p = 0.001), with particularly robust sustained improvements in aggressive behavior (MD = 4.778, p < 0.001) and anxious/depressed symptoms (MD = 4.140, p < 0.001). Both exercise and art therapy programs appear to be effective treatments for adolescent IGD, offering comparable benefits across multiple domains of functioning. The findings suggest that structured alternative activities, whether physical or creative, can effectively address both core IGD symptoms and associated psychological difficulties.