Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement for internet gaming disorder in U.S. adults: A stage I randomized controlled trial.
Wen Li, Eric L Garland, Patricia McGovern, Jennifer E O'Brien, Christine Tronnier, Matthew O Howard
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors April 24, 2017 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000269 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Adults with Internet gaming disorder or problematic video gaming behaviors (mean age 25.0 years, SD 5.4) |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) support group |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, with follow-up 3 months after treatment completion |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Treatment outcome Behavior, addictive Video games Internet Adolescent United states Female Young adult |
| Key findings | Adults receiving Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement showed significantly greater reductions than support group participants in DSM-5 Internet gaming disorder criteria met, video gaming craving, and maladaptive gaming-related cognitions, with benefits maintained at three-month follow-up. The authors conclude that MORE is a promising treatment approach for Internet gaming disorder. |
Abstract
Empirical studies have identified increasing rates of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and associated adverse consequences. However, very few evidence-based interventions have been evaluated for IGD or problematic video gaming behaviors. This study evaluated Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) as a treatment for IGD. Thirty adults (Mage = 25.0, SD = 5.4) with IGD or problematic video gaming behaviors were randomized to 8 weeks of group-based MORE or 8 weeks of a support group (SG) control condition. Outcome measures were administered at pre- and posttreatment and 3-months following treatment completion using self-report instruments. Linear mixed models were used for outcome analyses. MORE participants had significantly greater reductions in the number of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 IGD criteria they met, craving for video gaming, and maladaptive cognitions associated with gaming than SG participants, and therapeutic benefits were maintained at 3-month follow-up. MORE is a promising treatment approach for IGD. (PsycINFO Database Record
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- The (In)flexible self: Psychopathology, mindfulness, and neuroscience. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2023
- Investigating the Effectiveness of a Virtual-Reality-Based Mindfulness Intervention on Internet Gaming Disorder Behavioral Sciences November 27, 2024
- Transformative Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training on the Dynamic Reconfiguration of Executive and Default Mode Networks in Internet Gaming Disorder. Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science July 1, 2025
- Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial to Enhance Executive Function via Brief Mindfulness Training in Individuals with Internet Gaming Disorder. PLoS One 2025
- Mindfulness-based and mindfulness-informed interventions for internet use disorders in adolescents and young adults: A three-level random-effects meta-analysis Journal of Behavioral Addictions September 18, 2026
and 7 more in the library
Cites 6
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Restructuring reward processing with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement: novel therapeutic mechanisms to remediate hedonic dysregulation in addiction, stress, and pain. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences April 1, 2016
- How do mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction improve mental health and wellbeing? A systematic review and meta-analysis of mediation studies. Clinical Psychology Review April 1, 2015
- Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement for chronic pain and prescription opioid misuse: results from an early-stage randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology February 3, 2014
- Mindfulness training reduces the severity of irritable bowel syndrome in women: results of a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of gastroenterology September 2011
and 1 more in the library