Study: Young (2007) CBT with internet addicts

Psychology (1PS0) · Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) · 4 min read · Updated: 7 Sept 2026

Getting Started: Can CBT Help Internet Addicts?

In the modern world, we spend a lot of time online. But for some people, the internet becomes an addiction that interferes with their work, relationships, and health. We have already learned that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for addiction. This study by Young (2007) investigates whether CBT actually works for people struggling specifically with internet addiction. It’s a really important piece of research because it helps us understand if we can "unlearn" addictive digital behaviours.

The Aim of the Study

The main goal of Young (2007) was to investigate how effective CBT is as a treatment for internet addicts. Specifically, she wanted to see:

• If CBT could help people manage their internet use.
• If the benefits of the therapy would last over a long period (6 months after the sessions ended).

The Procedure: What Did Young Do?

1. The Participants: There were 114 participants recruited from the Center for Online Addiction. All of them had been identified as having an internet addiction using a specific screening tool.

2. The Therapy: All participants received a course of CBT. In the first sessions, they worked with a therapist to identify the "triggers" that caused them to go online (like feeling lonely or stressed). They then learned "cognitive restructuring" (changing their thoughts) and "behavioural techniques" (like setting strict schedules for computer use).

3. Measuring Success: Young used a questionnaire called the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Participants filled this out at several points: during the 3rd, 8th, and 12th sessions, and then again 6 months after the therapy had finished.

Top Tip: Remember that CBT isn't just about talking; it's about action! In this study, the participants had to actively change their daily routines.

The Findings: What Were the Results?

The results were very positive! Most participants showed significant improvement in several areas:

• Better Control: Participants reported they were better at managing their time online.
• Improved Relationships: Their real-life social lives and relationships improved as they spent less time in the digital world.
• Long-term Success: Even 6 months after the therapy ended, the majority of participants still reported "good" or "consistent" control over their internet use.

The Conclusion: Young concluded that CBT is an effective treatment for internet addiction. It provides a long-term solution because it gives patients the tools to manage their own behaviour and thoughts.

Evaluating the Study: Strengths and Weaknesses

To do well in your exam, you need to be able to weigh up the "good" and the "bad" of this research. Use the following points for your AO3 (evaluation) marks.

Strengths

• Practical Application: This study is incredibly useful. It shows that people suffering from internet addiction don't necessarily need drugs; they can be helped through therapy. This is a "real-world" benefit.
• Long-term Evidence: By following up after 6 months, Young proved that CBT isn't just a "quick fix." It actually leads to lasting changes in behaviour.

Weaknesses

• Self-Report Bias: Because participants filled out questionnaires themselves, they might have lied to make themselves look better (this is called social desirability bias). They might have claimed they were spending less time online than they actually were.
• No Control Group: Young did not compare the CBT group to a group that received no treatment. This means we can't be 100% sure the improvement was caused by the CBT and not just the passage of time or the attention from a therapist.

Quick Review: Check Your Knowledge

Question: What is one weakness of using questionnaires in this study?
Answer: Participants might not be honest about their internet use (social desirability), making the results less valid.

Question: How long was the follow-up period?
Answer: 6 months.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse internet addiction with drug addiction. While the therapy (CBT) is similar, Young's study specifically focused on digital behaviours, not physical substances.

Key Takeaways

• Study Name: Young (2007) CBT with internet addicts.
• Aim: To see if CBT helps internet addiction and if it lasts.
• Method: 114 participants received CBT and were tracked for 6 months.
• Conclusion: CBT works well for this problem and has long-lasting effects.
• Critical Point: The study relies on self-reports, which can be unreliable!

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

Open each question to check the key ideas from this chapter.

What was the primary aim of the study conducted by Young (2007)?

The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a treatment for internet addiction and to see if its benefits lasted for 6 months.

How many participants were involved in Young's (2007) study and where were they recruited from?

There were 114 participants recruited from the Center for Online Addiction.

What techniques were used during the CBT sessions in Young's study?

Participants used cognitive restructuring to change their thoughts and behavioural techniques, such as setting strict schedules for computer use.

How did Young measure the success of the therapy, and at what intervals?

Success was measured using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire during sessions 3, 8, and 12, and again at a 6-month follow-up.

What were the key findings of the Young (2007) study regarding participants' control and relationships?

Participants reported significantly better control over their time online and improved real-life social relationships.

What was the conclusion of Young's study regarding the long-term effectiveness of CBT?

Young concluded that CBT is an effective, long-term treatment for internet addiction because it provides tools for self-management.

What is a major practical strength of Young's research into internet addiction?

It demonstrates a real-world benefit by showing that internet addiction can be treated through therapy rather than medication.

Why is the 6-month follow-up considered a strength of the study?

It provides evidence that CBT leads to lasting changes in behavior rather than just being a temporary "quick fix."

What is "social desirability bias" and how does it affect this study?

It is the tendency of participants to lie to look better; in this study, they might have under-reported their internet use on questionnaires.

Why was the lack of a control group a weakness in Young's (2007) study?

Without a control group, we cannot be certain that the improvement was caused specifically by CBT rather than other factors like the passage of time.

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