Development and Evaluation of Intercultural Training for Adolescent Problematic and Pathological Gamers

This trilateral cooperation between the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Fudan University in Shanghai, and Macquarie University in Sydney aims to establish the interdisciplinary development of an intercultural group therapy program for young people between 10 and 17 years old who have a problematic relationship to digital games.

Furthermore, a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the therapy program is set to follow in all 3 partner countries. The therapy program consists of 12 modules. These will take a cognitive-behavioral approach and include motivation techniques.

The program encompasses the following areas: psychological education; techniques for reducing playing times; alternative free-time activities; strengthening social and emotional regulation skills; preventing recidivism. The aim is to lend sufficient support to young people and reduce possible long-term impairment.

The pilot study and the publication of the manuscript are slated for 2021 in all partner countries.