Cognitive behavioral intervention on digital addiction behavior among nursing students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

AimTo assess the effectiveness of a brief cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) on digital dependence among nursing students in Saudi Arabia and to examine demographic and usage predictors of post-intervention outcomes.MethodsA pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted with 163 students (aged 18-23 years) at K' University. Participants completed the Digital Addiction Scale (DAS) before and after a three-session group CBI. Paired t-tests and correlations explored inter-domain relationships, and linear regressions examined predictors of post-intervention scores.ResultsMean DAS scores improved significantly for overuse (mean difference 0.40, p < .001), non-restraint (0.22, p = .010), and dependence (0.39, p < .001). Emotional state increased but not significantly (p = .135) and inhibiting the flow of life was unchanged (p = .742). Post-intervention overuse was predicted by daily hours of device use (β = 0.94 for 3-4 h; β = 1.04 for ≥7 h; all p < .05), while other demographic factors were non-significant.ConclusionA brief CBI improved behavioral aspects of digital dependence but had limited effect on emotional dimensions. Integrating culturally adapted CBIs and digital-wellness modules into nursing curricula could reduce digital distraction and enhance self-regulation. Further controlled studies are needed to validate and expand upon these results.