Efficacy of the Self-regulation and Quality of Life Intervention Program (SQOLIP) on the Pathological Internet Use and Quality of Life of Selected Indian Adolescents

Page: 327-332
Arrackal Annamma Thomas1 and Lucila Ortiz Bance2 (The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines1 and Department of Clinical Psychology, The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines2)

Adolescents’ Pathological Internet Use (PIU) is on the rise reaching epidemic proportions and is a serious public health concern worldwide. Empirical studies linking PIU with functional impairment in various domains of life identify the affected person with a lower functional quality in his/her daily life. This research looked into the effectiveness of the program ‘Self-regulation and Quality of Life Intervention’ (SQOLIP) in minimizing PIU and enhancing the life quality of adolescents with PIU from the state of Kerala, South India. The SQOLIP was developed using a mixed method-multiphase research design and a randomized controlled trial with two groups including thirty-six (36) participants. The severity of PIU and the degree of quality of life of the study groups were tested using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and WHOQOL-Bref scale. Results of the post-test scores in the t-test, the experimental group exhibited significant changes when compared with the scores of its pre-test and showed a large effect by Cohen’s d test on the degree of effectiveness of the SQOLIP. The outcomes of the research signified that the SQOLIP brought about profound changes in the behaviour of the participants in the tested group evidencing it as effective. Future research is suggested for experimental studies on the effectiveness and its compliances on a larger sample with PIU, having diverse cultural backgrounds to maximize its benefits and uphold its utility.