RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY ON INTERNET GAMING DISORDER AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE

Abstract

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) poses a threat to the well-being of undergraduate students. This study assessed the alarming prevalence of IGD and evaluated the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) as an intervention among students in Abia State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-randomized control group design was utilized. From a screened population of 88 students, a purposive sample of 24 participants meeting the criteria for IGD was selected and assigned to an experimental (REBT) group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The experimental group received 4 weeks of structured REBT sessions focused on identifying and disputing irrational beliefs related to gaming using the ABCDEF model. Data were collected using the Internet Gaming Disorder Identification Questionnaire for undergraduate students (IGDIQUS) at pretest, posttest, and a 4-week follow-up. Percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze posttest and follow-up scores, controlling for baseline differences. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 8.1%. ANCOVA results revealed a statistically significant reduction in IGD symptoms for the REBT group compared to the control group at posttest (F(1, 21) = 14.87, p < .001), with a large treatment effect (β = -9.12). This significant reduction was sustained at the 4-week follow-up (F(1, 21) = 16.02, p < .001; β = -9.45). The findings the prevalence of IGD and provide robust evidence that REBT is an effective intervention for producing immediate and sustained reductions in IGD symptoms among undergraduates, mediated by increased rational thinking. The study strongly recommends the integration of REBT into university counseling frameworks to address IGD and promote psychological well-being.