Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement for Video Game Addiction in Emerging Adults: Preliminary Findings from Case Reports

Abstract

Video game addiction is increasingly prevalent in emerging adults and is associated with physical and psychosocial impairments. However, few evidence-based treatments for video game addiction have been identified or evaluated. Mindfulness treatment is effective for substance use disorders and behavioral addictions, and may be a promising intervention for video game addiction. This report presents theoretical support for mindfulness treatment of video game addiction, describes an adapted mindfulness treatment (i.e., Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)) for video game addiction, and presents case vignettes that describe preliminary effects of MORE in reducing video game addiction and increasing positive coping. Important methodological issues including conceptualization of the treatment model, feasibility of treatment manual adaptation, and promising therapeutic benefits of the MORE intervention are discussed. Our experience developing a mindfulness treatment of video game addiction may be informative to other investigators planning similar studies. In addition, this report could provide useful guidance to clinicians.