Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Based Psychoeducation Program on Internet Addiction and Academic Procrastination Tendency in Nursing Students

Internet addiction and academic procrastination tendency are increasingly common problems among university students and may negatively affect academic performance, psychological well-being, and professional development. Nursing students are considered a high-risk group due to intensive academic workload and frequent exposure to digital technologies. Cognitive behavioral approaches are widely used in addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with problematic internet use and procrastination; however, evidence regarding structured psychoeducation programs based on this approach among nursing students is limited.

This randomized controlled experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up design was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 at the Faculty of Nursing of a public university in Ankara, Türkiye. The study population consisted of undergraduate nursing students, and a total of 56 participants were included, with 28 assigned to the intervention group and 28 to the control group through random allocation.

The intervention group received a cognitive behavioral approach-based psychoeducation program consisting of eight weekly sessions. Each session lasted 90 minutes and was delivered face-to-face in a group format. For implementation purposes, the intervention group was divided into three smaller subgroups. The program focused on increasing awareness of internet use behaviors, identifying cognitive distortions, developing time management skills, and improving coping strategies. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period.

Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, and the Academic Procrastination Tendency Scale. Measurements were obtained at three time points: baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test), and one month after the intervention (follow-up). In the control group, assessments were conducted in parallel with the intervention group.

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Normality of data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Depending on the distribution characteristics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used. Post-hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction were applied where appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p<0,05.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years or older
• Being enrolled as a nursing student in a Faculty of Nursing
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Being currently under psychological intervention (e.g., psychoeducation, psychotherapy) or psychiatric treatment

Participant Discontinuation Criteria (Withdrawal Criteria):

• Incomplete or incorrectly completed data collection forms
• Missing two consecutive intervention sessions
• Receiving a psychiatric diagnosis during the study period