ACT-Based Psychoeducation for Youth With Social Media Addiction
NCT ID: NCT07343180
Last Updated: 2026-01-15
Study Results
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Basic Information
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NOT_YET_RECRUITING
NA
74 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2026-01-10
2026-06-30
Brief Summary
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Interpersonal difficulties experienced in relationships are defined as "interpersonal problems," while the cognitive-behavioral processes used to resolve these difficulties are called "interpersonal problem solving." These skills are essential for effective conflict resolution, social adaptation, relationship quality, and overall well-being. Social media shapes both the emergence and resolution of interpersonal problems; however, current knowledge in this area is limited. Excessive use contributes to interpersonal conflicts, deterioration of relationships, and reduced face-to-face communication. Thus, social media addiction may impair interpersonal problem-solving skills by disrupting daily functioning.
Although the literature includes correlational studies on social media addiction, self-esteem, and interpersonal functioning, research testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducation remains scarce. This study offers a theoretical contribution by applying a third-wave therapy approach to the psychosocial challenges of the digital age. It aims to evaluate the effects of an ACT-based psychoeducation program developed for young individuals with social media addiction on self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Given the limited number of such programs in Türkiye, this study is original and aims to fill an important gap in the literature.
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Detailed Description
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Social media addiction is particularly prevalent among young adults. A 2025 meta-analysis reported a prevalence rate of 18.4% among university students and its negative effects on academic performance. Another study with 1,215 students found higher addiction levels associated with increased depression scores. Excessive use also affects body dissatisfaction and self-esteem. These findings show that social media addiction decreases self-esteem, disrupts emotional regulation, and impairs interpersonal functioning. Social comparison tendencies and idealized digital identities may worsen self-perceptions, contributing to low self-esteem and social anxiety.
Multiple studies have shown significant negative relationships between social media addiction and self-esteem. Facebook addiction has been linked to low self-esteem. Similarly, low self-esteem was associated with higher social media addiction scores. Research from Ecuador reported moderate negative effects of social media addiction on self-esteem and well-being. A 2023 adolescent study found that addiction negatively predicted self-esteem and body image. Self-esteem is a fundamental construct related to life satisfaction, self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and interpersonal relationships.
Interpersonal difficulties are defined as "interpersonal problems," while cognitive and behavioral processes intended to reduce tension in these areas are conceptualized as "interpersonal problem-solving." Interpersonal problem-solving skills enable constructive conflict resolution and support social adaptation, relationship quality, and well-being. Social media influences how individuals generate and solve interpersonal problems, though evidence is limited. Excessive use leads to relationship deterioration, communication restrictions, and increased interpersonal conflicts. Social media addiction may impair interpersonal problem-solving due to its negative impact on overall functioning. Additionally, individuals with higher interpersonal problem-solving skills show lower addiction levels. Internet addiction has also been associated with avoidance-oriented coping.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based intervention focusing on psychological flexibility, encourages individuals to accept internal experiences and act in accordance with personal values. ACT promotes awareness of thoughts and emotions and engagement in value-driven behaviors. Research demonstrates its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and self-perception. ACT-based interventions have reduced social media use and decreased psychological distress in university students. ACT has also been found effective in reducing FOMO and increasing psychological flexibility.
ACT has improved self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving in diverse populations, such as individuals with schizophrenia, PCOS, body dysmorphic disorder, and obesity. ACT reduced internet addiction components and interpersonal difficulties among high school students. It also improved adolescents' interpersonal skills and was comparable to CBT in addressing interpersonal problems.
Despite the correlational evidence linking social media addiction to self-esteem and interpersonal functioning, ACT-based interventions remain limited, especially for young adults. Thus, our study offers theoretical and practical innovation by applying a third-wave therapy model to digital-age psychosocial problems. The study aims not only to reduce addictive behaviors but also to improve psychological flexibility, self-esteem, and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Findings are expected to guide mental health professionals, psychiatric nurses, counselors, and university guidance services.
The study also aligns with the 12th Development Plan (2024-2028), which emphasizes informing youth about digital risks, supporting evidence-based policy design, and promoting healthy technology use.
Hypotheses H1a: ACT-based psychoeducation increases self-esteem. H1b: ACT-based psychoeducation reduces ineffective interpersonal problem-solving.
H1c: ACT-based psychoeducation enhances effective interpersonal problem-solving.
H1d: ACT-based psychoeducation reduces social media addiction.
Study Design This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University between November 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. A 2×3 split-plot design (intervention/control × pretest/posttest/follow-up) will be used. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-intervention, and two-month follow-up.
Study Population and Sample The study population includes students aged 18-30 enrolled between 01/05/2025 and 01/06/2026. Based on GPower calculations (effect size d = 0.30; α = .05; power = .90), 31 participants per group were required. With 20% added for attrition, the total sample is 74 (37 per group). Intervention groups will consist of approximately 7-8 participants.
Randomization Participants scoring ≥4 on the SMAS-AF will be randomized using simple randomization (Research Randomizer). A statistician not involved in the study will manage allocation.
Variables Independent variable: ACT-based psychoeducation program
Dependent variables:
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form (SMAS-AF) Interpersonal Problem-Solving Inventory
Data Collection Tools Information Form; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES); Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form (SMAS-AF); Interpersonal Problem-Solving Inventory.
Implementation Baseline assessments will be completed face-to-face. The intervention group will attend eight ACT-based psychoeducation sessions administered by psychiatric nurse Zeynep Kekeç, certified in psychoeducation and ACT. Post-test assessments will be completed in the final session. The control group will not receive intervention during the study but will be offered a one-session program afterward.
Data Analysis Data will be analyzed in SPSS. Normality will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Descriptive statistics will be calculated. Parametric or non-parametric analyses will be selected based on distribution. Cronbach's alpha values will be computed. Significance level: p \< 0.05.
Ethical Considerations Ethical approval was obtained from the Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Medical Research Ethics Committee. Permissions for scales were secured. Participation is voluntary, and confidentiality and withdrawal rights will be ensured.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
OTHER
NONE
Study Groups
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Intervention Group - ACT-Based Psychoeducation
Participants in this group will receive an 8-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducational program designed to improve self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills while reducing social media addiction. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-test), interim follow-up, and post-test, using validated scales. The intervention will be delivered in groups of 37 participants by a trained researcher.
ACT-Based Psychoeducational Program
The intervention consists of an 8-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducational program aimed at improving self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills and reducing social media addiction among young adults. Sessions will be delivered in small groups of 6-7 participants by a trained researcher with certification in ACT and psychoeducation.
Assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (pre-test), interim follow-up, and post-test. During the program, participants will engage in ACT exercises, mindfulness practices, and value-based activities, focusing on psychological flexibility, coping with negative internal experiences, and enhancing effective interpersonal strategies.
Participants will also complete validated scales for self-esteem, interpersonal problem-solving, and social media addiction at each assessment point.
Control Group - No Intervention (Waitlist)
Participants in this group will not receive any intervention during the study period. Assessments will be conducted at the same time points as the intervention group (baseline, interim follow-up, and post-test) using the same validated scales. After the 2-month follow-up, participants will receive a single psychoeducation session.
No interventions assigned to this group
Interventions
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ACT-Based Psychoeducational Program
The intervention consists of an 8-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducational program aimed at improving self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills and reducing social media addiction among young adults. Sessions will be delivered in small groups of 6-7 participants by a trained researcher with certification in ACT and psychoeducation.
Assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (pre-test), interim follow-up, and post-test. During the program, participants will engage in ACT exercises, mindfulness practices, and value-based activities, focusing on psychological flexibility, coping with negative internal experiences, and enhancing effective interpersonal strategies.
Participants will also complete validated scales for self-esteem, interpersonal problem-solving, and social media addiction at each assessment point.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Age between 18 and 30 years.
* Social Media Addiction Scale - Adult Form (SMAS-AF) item average score of 4 or higher.
Exclusion Criteria
* Currently participating in a similar psychoeducational program.
* Receiving treatment for any psychiatric disorder at the time of the study.
Withdrawal Criteria:
* Missing two consecutive sessions
* Disruptive behavior
* Non-compliance with group rules
* Failure to complete session assignments
18 Years
30 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
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University of Gaziantep
OTHER
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Zeynep KEKEÇ
Research Assistant, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Principal Investigators
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Zeynep KEKEÇ, PhD student
Role: STUDY_CHAIR
Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Health Sciences
Döndü ÇUHADAR, PhD
Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR
Gaziantep University, Faculty of Health Sciences
Locations
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Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi, Faculty of Health Sciences
Kahramanmaraş, Onikişubat, Turkey (Türkiye)
Countries
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Central Contacts
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References
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Provided Documents
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Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan
Document Type: Informed Consent Form
Related Links
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Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Presidency of Strategy and Budget. 2023. "Twelfth Development Plan (2024-2028)."
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health. (2018). National Strategy Document and Action Plan for Combating Behavioral Addictions (2019-2023). Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Turkey.
Other Identifiers
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KSU-TAREK-2025/15-04
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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