Parent-delivered contingency management for a treatment-refusing young adult with gaming disorder: Case report

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2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Online video gaming is a popular activity among people of all ages. For some, however, gaming can become problematic. While evidence exists for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for gaming disorder (GD), a major challenge is that adolescents and young adults, particularly males, are often reluctant to seek help and engage long term with a mental health practitioner. This report presents a case involving brief parent-delivered contingency management for a 19-year-old male with GD who refused to engage with treatment services following a significant decline in functioning and a high-lethality suicide attempt. This approach led to a substantial reduction in gaming time, as well as related gains in self-care and independence. This case highlights the value and feasibility of developing a therapeutic alliance with a parent to manage excessive gaming behaviours among treatment-refusing individuals with GD. Practical challenges and associated lessons from managing this case are discussed. Practitioner points Brief parent-delivered contingency management was implemented for a 19-year-old treatment-refusing male with GD. This approach led to a substantial reduction in the young man's gaming time as well as related gains in areas of self-care and independence at 6-month follow-up. This case highlights the value and feasibility of developing a therapeutic alliance with a parent to manage excessive gaming behaviours among treatment-refusing individuals with GD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)370-383
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Family Therapy
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • gaming disorder
  • gaming addiction
  • online gaming
  • cognitive behavioural therapy
  • psychotherapy
  • community reinforcement family training
  • contingency management
  • family-based therapy

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