A Qualitative Study of Practitioners’ Views on Family Involvement in Treatment Process of Adolescent Internet Addiction

Camilla Kin Ming Lo, Lu Yu, Yuet Wing Cho and Ko Ling Chan
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Camilla Kin Ming Lo: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Lu Yu: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Yuet Wing Cho: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Ko Ling Chan: Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Despite emerging evidence of the effectiveness of a family-focused approach as an Internet addiction (IA) treatment modality for adolescents, little research has been done to explore family involvement in the treatment process from the clinician’s perspective. This study employed a qualitative design to examine practitioners’ views pertaining to the roles and challenges of family participation in IA intervention. In total, 10 practitioners working with adolescents with IA were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews. Three overreaching themes were synthesized: That family involvement in IA intervention is challenging yet important; shifting the focus from the adolescent to the relationship; and provision of individualized services and intervention to address the heterogeneous nature of cases. The findings show that family participation in IA treatment is successful in enhancing positive outcomes. The needs of adolescents with IA and family members are addressed through individual counseling and psychoeducation, respectively. Conjoint therapy sessions foster effective communication, improve family interactions and functioning, and restore relationships. However, caution regarding family dynamics is required when considering whether family involvement is appropriate. Practitioners need to establish therapeutic alliances and be flexible when working with family members in terms of the degree and arrangement of participation.

Keywords: internet addiction; gaming disorder; treatment; family involvement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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