A Pilot Study of a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Internet Gaming Disorder Among College-Aged Students in South Korea

Journal article

Objectives: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) integrates cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation to help individuals disengage from maladaptive thoughts and reactive behavioral patterns. By cultivating nonjudgmental present-moment awareness and decentering from thoughts and emotions, MBCT enhances the capacity to respond more skillfully, thereby reducing impulsivity and promoting self-control. This study pilot-tested the effectiveness of MBCT for internet gaming disorder (MBCT-G) among college-aged students at risk for problematic gaming, focusing on reducing symptoms of internet gaming disorder and secondarily on psychological benefits. Method: A pilot experimental study was conducted in South Korea with 46 college-aged students at high risk of internet gaming disorder. The intervention group (n = 24) participated in eight group sessions of MBCT-G and a control group (n = 22) received no intervention. Internet gaming disorder, impulsivity, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety, and self-control were assessed before and after the intervention and at 4 weeks postintervention. Results: Linear mixed-model analyses indicated participants in the intervention group had greater reductions in internet gaming disorder symptoms, perceived stress, and state anxiety and enhanced improvement in self-control relative to the control group; these changes persisted at 4-week follow-up except for state anxiety. Conclusions: Findings suggested MBCT-G is a promising intervention for college-aged students whose gaming is problematic and puts them at risk for gaming disorder. Further research is needed with a larger sample, a comparison group receiving an alternative intervention and a longer follow-up period. Preregistration: This study was not prospectively registered; however, it was retrospectively registered with ISRCTN Registry (# ISRCTN17598517).

Authors: Yoon, A; Park, Y; Kim, MA; Chiu, I; Solomon, P

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: Mindfulness
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1762-1780
• Publication date: 2026-05-07
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-23
• DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02855-1
• EISSN: 1868-8535
• ISSN: 1868-8527
• Language: English
• Keywords: Internet gaming disorder; College-aged students; Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; South Korea