Internet AddictionNCT07750366
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Promoting Mental Health of Emerging Adults With Internet Addiction
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in people with Internet Addiction, run by National University of Modern Languages at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Internet addiction, a growing epidemic among young adults, significantly impairs mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The pervasive overuse of digital technologies-particularly smartphones, social media, and the internet-has led to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 29 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Internet Addiction
- What is being tested?
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 5 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 29 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- willing to participate Enrolled in universities
Who cannot join
- failing to inclusion
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Internet addiction, a growing epidemic among young adults, significantly impairs mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The pervasive overuse of digital technologies-particularly smartphones, social media, and the internet-has led to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in this demographic. Traditional therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) fail to address the underlying psychological processes contributing to addiction. This research explores the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-a mindfulness-based, values-driven approach-as an effective treatment for internet addiction in young adults. By enhancing psychological flexibility, ACT aims to reduce addictive behaviors while promoting better emotional regulation and mental resilience. The study will assess the efficacy of ACT in improving mental health and mitigating internet addiction within a culturally relevant context for Pakistani youth.
Introduction and Problem Statement:
Read more
Young adulthood is a pivotal developmental phase (18-29 years), during which individuals are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of internet addiction. Excessive use of smartphones, the internet, and social media has become a ubiquitous issue, severely affecting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young adults. While internet addiction is increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, with studies indicating that 25-35% of the youth are affected, conventional therapeutic models like CBT predominantly focus on symptom management rather than the psychological underpinnings of addictive behaviors. This research aims to fill a critical gap by investigating the application of ACT, which has shown promise in treating various forms of addiction, to internet addiction specifically.
Literature Review:
The relationship between internet addiction and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress has been well-documented. Recent studies by Moreno et al. (2022) and Ghali et al. (2023) underscore the profound psychological consequences of excessive internet and social media use in young adults. In contrast to CBT, ACT focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility-the ability to accept distressing thoughts and feelings while pursuing value-driven actions. ACT has been shown to improve emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance mindfulness, making it a promising intervention for internet addiction. This research builds on the foundational work of Swain et al. (2015) and Googhari et al. (2022), who demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions, including ACT, in enhancing mental health outcomes.
Rationale:
Internet addiction is not only a growing public health crisis but also a barrier to personal development and social integration in young adults. While traditional therapies like CBT focus on symptom reduction, they do not sufficiently address the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive addictive behaviors. ACT offers a more comprehensive approach by fostering psychological flexibility and emotional resilience-key factors in the recovery from addiction. Moreover, ACT's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts makes it an ideal intervention for Pakistan's rapidly digitalizing youth population. This research seeks to evaluate ACT's effectiveness in reducing internet addiction and improving mental health outcomes in this group.
Research Objectives and Hypotheses:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT in reducing internet addiction and enhancing mental health among emerging adults in Pakistan. The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the impact of ACT on internet addiction behaviors (smartphone, internet, social media).
- Evaluate improvements in mental health, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- Examine changes in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
Hypotheses:
- The experimental group will exhibit a significant reduction in internet addiction behaviors at post-test compared to the control group.
- The experimental group will demonstrate substantial improvements in mental health indicators-specifically in reducing depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- ACT will lead to enhanced psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and emotional regulation in the experimental group relative to the control group.
Research Design and Methodology:
The study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-test assessments. The sample will consist of 100 emerging adults(ages 18-29), with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Participants will be recruited via social media platforms, using a snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria include self-reported internet addiction and high scores on screening tools.
Read the detailed description
Internet addiction, a growing epidemic among young adults, significantly impairs mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The pervasive overuse of digital technologies-particularly smartphones, social media, and the internet-has led to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in this demographic. Traditional therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) fail to address the underlying psychological processes contributing to addiction. This research explores the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-a mindfulness-based, values-driven approach-as an effective treatment for internet addiction in young adults. By enhancing psychological flexibility, ACT aims to reduce addictive behaviors while promoting better emotional regulation and mental resilience. The study will assess the efficacy of ACT in improving mental health and mitigating internet addiction within a culturally relevant context for Pakistani youth.
Introduction and Problem Statement:
Young adulthood is a pivotal developmental phase (18-29 years), during which individuals are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of internet addiction. Excessive use of smartphones, the internet, and social media has become a ubiquitous issue, severely affecting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young adults. While internet addiction is increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, with studies indicating that 25-35% of the youth are affected, conventional therapeutic models like CBT predominantly focus on symptom management rather than the psychological underpinnings of addictive behaviors. This research aims to fill a critical gap by investigating the application of ACT, which has shown promise in treating various forms of addiction, to internet addiction specifically.
Literature Review:
The relationship between internet addiction and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress has been well-documented. Recent studies by Moreno et al. (2022) and Ghali et al. (2023) underscore the profound psychological consequences of excessive internet and social media use in young adults. In contrast to CBT, ACT focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility-the ability to accept distressing thoughts and feelings while pursuing value-driven actions. ACT has been shown to improve emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance mindfulness, making it a promising intervention for internet addiction. This research builds on the foundational work of Swain et al. (2015) and Googhari et al. (2022), who demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions, including ACT, in enhancing mental health outcomes.
Rationale:
Internet addiction is not only a growing public health crisis but also a barrier to personal development and social integration in young adults. While traditional therapies like CBT focus on symptom reduction, they do not sufficiently address the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive addictive behaviors. ACT offers a more comprehensive approach by fostering psychological flexibility and emotional resilience-key factors in the recovery from addiction. Moreover, ACT's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts makes it an ideal intervention for Pakistan's rapidly digitalizing youth population. This research seeks to evaluate ACT's effectiveness in reducing internet addiction and improving mental health outcomes in this group.
Research Objectives and Hypotheses:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT in reducing internet addiction and enhancing mental health among emerging adults in Pakistan. The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the impact of ACT on internet addiction behaviors (smartphone, internet, social media).
- Evaluate improvements in mental health, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- Examine changes in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
Hypotheses:
- The experimental group will exhibit a significant reduction in internet addiction behaviors at post-test compared to the control group.
- The experimental group will demonstrate substantial improvements in mental health indicators-specifically in reducing depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- ACT will lead to enhanced psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and emotional regulation in the experimental group relative to the control group.
Research Design and Methodology:
The study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-test assessments. The sample will consist of 100 emerging adults(ages 18-29), with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Participants will be recruited via social media platforms, using a snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria include self-reported internet addiction and high scores on screening tools. Participants with severe mental health disorders or undergoing other psychological treatments will be excluded.
Phases:
- Phase 1: Screening and selection of participants, followed by the translation and adaptation of ACT tools and screening measures for the Pakistani context.
- Phase 2: Intervention, which will consist of 8-10 weekly ACT sessions focusing on increasing psychological flexibility and emotional regulation.
- Phase 3: Post-test evaluation of internet addiction behaviors and mental health outcomes, followed by a follow-up assessment.
Data Analysis and Expected Outcomes:
Statistical analyses will include ANCOVA to compare post-test results between the experimental and control groups, as well as repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate within-group changes. The study expects to demonstrate that ACT significantly reduces internet addiction and improves mental health outcomes, including depression, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
Implications and Future Directions:
The findings from this study could have significant implications for public health policies related to mental health and internet use among young adults. By demonstrating the effectiveness of ACT, the research could contribute to the development of more targeted, mindfulness-based interventions for addressing internet addiction in Pakistan. Additionally, future research may explore the long-term effects of ACT on addiction and its broader applicability to other forms of behavioral addictions, such as gaming and compulsive internet use.
- Conditions
- Internet Addiction
- Being tested
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Keywords
- Internet Addiction, Problematic Internet Use, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT, Emerging Adults, University Students, Behavioral Addiction, Mindfulness, Randomized Controlled Trial, Pakistan
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Behavioural
Also called ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a culturally adapted behavioral intervention for emerging adults with Internet Addiction. The intervention focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility through acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, values clarification, self-as-context, and committed action. Participants attended structured therapy sessions delivered according to the study protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Experimental | Participants received a culturally adapted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to reduce Internet Addiction and improve psychological functioning among emerging adults. The intervention was delivered according to the study protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | Participants assigned to the wait-list control group did not receive the ACT intervention during the study period. They completed all study assessments and were offered the intervention after completion of the trial. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Internet Addiction Test Total Score
Internet addiction was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. The scale contains 26 items scored from 1 to 4. Item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 26 to 104. Higher scores indicate more severe internet addiction and therefore a worse outcome. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention (Post-intervention, approximately 8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Total Score
Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The scale contains nine items scored from 0 to 3. Item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 27. Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms and therefore a worse outcome. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the ACT intervention (post-intervention)
Change in Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II Total Score
Psychological inflexibility was assessed using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. The seven items are scored from 1 to 7 and summed to produce a total score ranging from 7 to 49. Higher scores indicate greater psychological inflexibility or experiential avoidance and therefore a worse outcome. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Attentional Control Scale Total Score
Attentional control was assessed using the Attentional Control Scale. The scale contains 20 items scored from 1 to 4. After reverse-scoring the applicable items, responses are summed to produce a total score ranging from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate better attentional control and therefore a better outcome. An increase from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-5 Total Score
Cognitive fusion was assessed using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire - 5. The five items are scored from 1 to 7 and summed to produce a total score ranging from 5 to 35. Higher scores indicate greater cognitive fusion, meaning that thoughts have a stronger influence over behavior, and therefore represent a worse outcome. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Subscale Scores
Emotion regulation was assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. This 10-item instrument produces two separate scores; a single total score is not calculated.
The Cognitive Reappraisal subscale contains six items scored from 1 to 7, producing a score ranging from 6 to 42. Higher scores indicate greater use of cognitive reappraisal and are interpreted as a better outcome.
The Expressive Suppression subscale contains four items scored from 1 to 7, producing a score ranging from 4 to 28. Higher scores indicate greater use of expressive suppression and are interpreted as a worse outcome.
An increase in cognitive reappraisal and a reduction in expressive suppression indicate improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-14 Total Score
Mindfulness was assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-14. The 14 items are scored from 1 to 5. After reverse-scoring the applicable items, responses are summed to produce a total score ranging from 14 to 70. Higher scores indicate greater mindfulness and therefore a better outcome. An increase from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Impulsive Behavior Short Scale-8 Subscale Scores
Impulsivity was assessed using the Impulsive Behavior Short Scale-8. The instrument contains eight items and measures four dimensions: urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and risk appetite. Each dimension contains two items. After reverse-scoring the applicable items, the mean for each subscale is calculated, producing a score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a greater level of the corresponding impulsive tendency and are interpreted as a worse outcome in this study. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Rational Behavior Inventory Total Score
Rational beliefs were assessed using the Rational Behavior Inventory. The scale contains 37 items scored from 1 to 5. After reverse-scoring the applicable items, responses are summed to produce a total score ranging from 37 to 185. Higher scores indicate more rational beliefs and attitudes and therefore a better outcome. An increase from baseline indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2025
- Primary completion30 Jun 2026
- Study completion5 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Internet AddictionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention group or a wait-list control group. The ACT group received the culturally adapted ACT intervention, while the wait-list control group received no intervention during the study period. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention to compare the effectiveness of ACT in reducing Internet Addiction and improving mental health outcomes among emerging adults.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Modern Languages
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Syed Shahabal, National University of Modern Languages
- Investigators
- Asia Mushtaq, PhD, Study chair, National University of Modern Languages
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07750366
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Syed Shahabal 12 PhD/Psy/F23
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Promoting Mental Health of Emerging Adults With Internet Addiction
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07750366
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Syed Shahabal 12 PhD/Psy/F23
- Conditions
- Internet Addiction
- Keywords
- Internet Addiction, Problematic Internet Use, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT, Emerging Adults, University Students, Behavioral Addiction, Mindfulness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Modern LanguagesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 5 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Internet addiction, a growing epidemic among young adults, significantly impairs mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The pervasive overuse of digital technologies-particularly smartphones, social media, and the internet-has led to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in this demographic. Traditional therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) fail to address the underlying psychological processes contributing to addiction. This research explores the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-a mindfulness-based, values-driven approach-as an effective treatment for internet addiction in young adults. By enhancing psychological flexibility, ACT aims to reduce addictive behaviors while promoting better emotional regulation and mental resilience. The study will assess the efficacy of ACT in improving mental health and mitigating internet addiction within a culturally relevant context for Pakistani youth.
Introduction and Problem Statement:
Young adulthood is a pivotal developmental phase (18-29 years), during which individuals are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of internet addiction. Excessive use of smartphones, the internet, and social media has become a ubiquitous issue, severely affecting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young adults. While internet addiction is increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, with studies indicating that 25-35% of the youth are affected, conventional therapeutic models like CBT predominantly focus on symptom management rather than the psychological underpinnings of addictive behaviors. This research aims to fill a critical gap by investigating the application of ACT, which has shown promise in treating various forms of addiction, to internet addiction specifically.
Literature Review:
The relationship between internet addiction and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress has been well-documented. Recent studies by Moreno et al. (2022) and Ghali et al. (2023) underscore the profound psychological consequences of excessive internet and social media use in young adults. In contrast to CBT, ACT focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility-the ability to accept distressing thoughts and feelings while pursuing value-driven actions. ACT has been shown to improve emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance mindfulness, making it a promising intervention for internet addiction. This research builds on the foundational work of Swain et al. (2015) and Googhari et al. (2022), who demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions, including ACT, in enhancing mental health outcomes.
Rationale:
Internet addiction is not only a growing public health crisis but also a barrier to personal development and social integration in young adults. While traditional therapies like CBT focus on symptom reduction, they do not sufficiently address the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive addictive behaviors. ACT offers a more comprehensive approach by fostering psychological flexibility and emotional resilience-key factors in the recovery from addiction. Moreover, ACT's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts makes it an ideal intervention for Pakistan's rapidly digitalizing youth population. This research seeks to evaluate ACT's effectiveness in reducing internet addiction and improving mental health outcomes in this group.
Research Objectives and Hypotheses:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT in reducing internet addiction and enhancing mental health among emerging adults in Pakistan. The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the impact of ACT on internet addiction behaviors (smartphone, internet, social media).
- Evaluate improvements in mental health, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- Examine changes in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
Hypotheses:
- The experimental group will exhibit a significant reduction in internet addiction behaviors at post-test compared to the control group.
- The experimental group will demonstrate substantial improvements in mental health indicators-specifically in reducing depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- ACT will lead to enhanced psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and emotional regulation in the experimental group relative to the control group.
Research Design and Methodology:
The study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-test assessments. The sample will consist of 100 emerging adults(ages 18-29), with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Participants will be recruited via social media platforms, using a snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria include self-reported internet addiction and high scores on screening tools.
Detailed description
Internet addiction, a growing epidemic among young adults, significantly impairs mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The pervasive overuse of digital technologies-particularly smartphones, social media, and the internet-has led to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in this demographic. Traditional therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) fail to address the underlying psychological processes contributing to addiction. This research explores the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-a mindfulness-based, values-driven approach-as an effective treatment for internet addiction in young adults. By enhancing psychological flexibility, ACT aims to reduce addictive behaviors while promoting better emotional regulation and mental resilience. The study will assess the efficacy of ACT in improving mental health and mitigating internet addiction within a culturally relevant context for Pakistani youth.
Introduction and Problem Statement:
Young adulthood is a pivotal developmental phase (18-29 years), during which individuals are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of internet addiction. Excessive use of smartphones, the internet, and social media has become a ubiquitous issue, severely affecting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of young adults. While internet addiction is increasingly prevalent in Pakistan, with studies indicating that 25-35% of the youth are affected, conventional therapeutic models like CBT predominantly focus on symptom management rather than the psychological underpinnings of addictive behaviors. This research aims to fill a critical gap by investigating the application of ACT, which has shown promise in treating various forms of addiction, to internet addiction specifically.
Literature Review:
The relationship between internet addiction and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress has been well-documented. Recent studies by Moreno et al. (2022) and Ghali et al. (2023) underscore the profound psychological consequences of excessive internet and social media use in young adults. In contrast to CBT, ACT focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility-the ability to accept distressing thoughts and feelings while pursuing value-driven actions. ACT has been shown to improve emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance mindfulness, making it a promising intervention for internet addiction. This research builds on the foundational work of Swain et al. (2015) and Googhari et al. (2022), who demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions, including ACT, in enhancing mental health outcomes.
Rationale:
Internet addiction is not only a growing public health crisis but also a barrier to personal development and social integration in young adults. While traditional therapies like CBT focus on symptom reduction, they do not sufficiently address the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that drive addictive behaviors. ACT offers a more comprehensive approach by fostering psychological flexibility and emotional resilience-key factors in the recovery from addiction. Moreover, ACT's adaptability to diverse cultural contexts makes it an ideal intervention for Pakistan's rapidly digitalizing youth population. This research seeks to evaluate ACT's effectiveness in reducing internet addiction and improving mental health outcomes in this group.
Research Objectives and Hypotheses:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT in reducing internet addiction and enhancing mental health among emerging adults in Pakistan. The specific objectives are to:
- Assess the impact of ACT on internet addiction behaviors (smartphone, internet, social media).
- Evaluate improvements in mental health, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- Examine changes in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
Hypotheses:
- The experimental group will exhibit a significant reduction in internet addiction behaviors at post-test compared to the control group.
- The experimental group will demonstrate substantial improvements in mental health indicators-specifically in reducing depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
- ACT will lead to enhanced psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and emotional regulation in the experimental group relative to the control group.
Research Design and Methodology:
The study will employ a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-test assessments. The sample will consist of 100 emerging adults(ages 18-29), with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Participants will be recruited via social media platforms, using a snowball sampling technique. Inclusion criteria include self-reported internet addiction and high scores on screening tools. Participants with severe mental health disorders or undergoing other psychological treatments will be excluded.
Phases:
- Phase 1: Screening and selection of participants, followed by the translation and adaptation of ACT tools and screening measures for the Pakistani context.
- Phase 2: Intervention, which will consist of 8-10 weekly ACT sessions focusing on increasing psychological flexibility and emotional regulation.
- Phase 3: Post-test evaluation of internet addiction behaviors and mental health outcomes, followed by a follow-up assessment.
Data Analysis and Expected Outcomes:
Statistical analyses will include ANCOVA to compare post-test results between the experimental and control groups, as well as repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate within-group changes. The study expects to demonstrate that ACT significantly reduces internet addiction and improves mental health outcomes, including depression, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
Implications and Future Directions:
The findings from this study could have significant implications for public health policies related to mental health and internet use among young adults. By demonstrating the effectiveness of ACT, the research could contribute to the development of more targeted, mindfulness-based interventions for addressing internet addiction in Pakistan. Additionally, future research may explore the long-term effects of ACT on addiction and its broader applicability to other forms of behavioral addictions, such as gaming and compulsive internet use.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention group or a wait-list control group. The ACT group received the culturally adapted ACT intervention, while the wait-list control group received no intervention during the study period. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention to compare the effectiveness of ACT in reducing Internet Addiction and improving mental health outcomes among emerging adults.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Experimental | Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Participants received a culturally adapted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to reduce Internet Addiction and improve psychological functioning among emerging adults. The intervention was delivered according to the study protocol. |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | –Participants assigned to the wait-list control group did not receive the ACT intervention during the study period. They completed all study assessments and were offered the intervention after completion of the trial. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- willing to participate Enrolled in universities
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- failing to inclusion
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Also: ACTAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a culturally adapted behavioral intervention for emerging adults with Internet Addiction. The intervention focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility through acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, values clarification, self-as-context, and committed action. Participants attended structured therapy sessions delivered according to the study protocol. | Behavioural | Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
Primary outcome
Change in Internet Addiction Test Total Score
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention (Post-intervention, approximately 8 weeks)
Internet addiction was assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. The scale contains 26 items scored from 1 to 4. Item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 26 to 104. Higher scores indicate more severe internet addiction and therefore a worse outcome. A reduction from baseline indicates improvement.
8 secondary outcomes
Change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the ACT intervention (post-intervention)
Change in Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Attentional Control Scale Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-5 Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Subscale Scores
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-14 Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Impulsive Behavior Short Scale-8 Subscale Scores
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Change in Rational Behavior Inventory Total Score
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Asia Mushtaq, PhD study chair
National University of Modern Languages
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in people with Internet Addiction, run by National University of Modern Languages at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Internet Addiction Test Total Score (time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention (Post-intervention, approximately 8 weeks)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Aug 2026.