Solution-focused group counseling enhances attention control in Internet addiction: Behavioral and neural evidence

Abstract

Objective Internet addiction (IA) is often associated with impaired attention control. Nevertheless, ways to improve this deficit are lacking, and so is the understanding of the mechanisms that such interventions might impact. To address this gap, this study seeks to examine the efficacy of Solution-Focused Group Counselling (SFGC) in enhancing attention networks among individuals with IA. Methods A total of 32 college students with high IA scores were recruited, with 26 participants (16 females and 10 males; mean age 19.42 ± 1.10) completing a five-week SFGC intervention. Assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention included the Attention Network Test (ANT) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Results Results demonstrated a significant reduction in executive network reaction times (RT) following the intervention. Neurophysiological analyses revealed an increase in P3 amplitude and a decrease in alpha-band event-related desynchronisation (ERD) in the central parietal lobe, suggesting altered executive control. Moreover, a novel event-related potential (ERP) component, termed the Executive Efficiency Difference Wave (EED), was identified. It negatively correlated with executive network RT post-intervention, but not pre-intervention. Conclusions Preliminary findings in a small sample suggest that SFGC effectively enhances both behavioural performance and neural indices associated with attention in individuals with IA. We call for future research to examine the broader applicability and long-term efficacy of SFGC.