Online Attentional Bias Modification Training for Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder

Objective: Previous research has shown that attentional bias towards game-related stimuli is a significant factor in the etiology, maintenance and severity of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Therefore, interventions targeting attentional bias towards game-related stimuli, can potentially ameliorate this disorder. The aim of the present research was to examine the effectiveness of online Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) training in reducing game-related attentional bias and IGD severity in adolescents. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 33 adolescents with DSM-5 diagnosis of IGD were sampled and assigned to an experimental group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 16) randomly. The experimental group received online ABM, while no interventions were delivered to the control group. Attentional bias and IGD severity in the two groups were measured at pre-test and post-test, and then at 2 months follow-up via Modified Stroop Test and Internet Gaming Disorder-20 (IGD-20) questionnaire. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) were implemented using the 26th version of SPSS software to analyze the gathered data. Results: Game-related attentional bias and the severity of IGD were significantly decreased in the participants of the experimental group (p < 0.05). These reductions were also maintained at 2 months follow-up, but were not evident in the control group at any stage (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the results of the study, it could be concluded that online ABM can be considered as an auxiliary or standalone treatment for adolescents with IGD, although further research is necessary in order to understand its mechanisms of effect.