The impact of a service-learning program based on social and emotional learning to prevent internet gaming addiction among adolescents

Abstract

In recent years, a substantial rise in the prevalence of internet gaming disorder has been observed, predominantly among adolescents. In this regard, social and emotional competencies have been shown to be protective factors against the development of internet gaming disorder. Nevertheless, research on social and emotional learning is limited regarding their impact on the prevention of internet gaming disorder. In light of the significance of integrating social and emotional learning into school instruction, this study utilized a service-learning approach to facilitate this integration. The objective was to estimate the impact of a service-learning program based on social and emotional learning on the levels of social and emotional competencies and the prevention of internet gaming disorder among Spanish adolescents. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, with the sample divided into two groups: the intervention group (n = 54) and the control group (n = 54). The intervention group implemented a service-learning program on prevention measures against internet gaming addiction at their high school, receiving training in social and emotional competencies at the same time. The results indicate that the intervention group obtained a statistically significant improvement in social and emotional competencies and symptoms related to internet gaming disorder in comparison to the control group following the completion of the program. The obtained effect size indicates a large impact of the program. The present study proposes an innovative intervention that integrates service-learning and social and emotional learning to prevent video game addiction problems in high school students.