A Pilot Study of the Self-Regulation and Quality of Life Intervention for Selected Indian Adolescents with Pathological Internet Use

Pathological use of the internet is 21st centuries epidemic. Its pathological nature causes an inability in controlling its use among the users and is often connected with severe impairments in the various domains of human life such as academic, daily functioning, and, satisfaction in the physical, psychological and interpersonal relationships. Subsequently, the affected person suffers from a diminished quality of life. As there is a felt need for early intervention for adolescents with pathological internet use and low quality of life, the researcher developed the 'Self-regulation and Quality of Life Intervention Program (SQOLIP) conjoining the Cognitive Model of Pathological Internet Use, Mindfulness-based Self-regulation, and, the techniques of Reality Therapy. A team of six experts from various disciplines in the field validated the intervention and pilot tested its utility with ten adolescents identified with pathological internet use and low quality of life. The outcome of the study justifies the effectiveness of the intervention by significantly reducing pathological use of the internet and enhancing the quality of life of the participants.