An examination of the effectiveness of psychoeducation on anger management and problematic internet use in adolescents

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Adolescence is a critical period characterized by intense developmental changes. During this stage, commonly observed issues such as anger and problematic internet use can negatively affect quality of life. Therefore, a CBT-based psychoeducation program was designed to enhance adolescents' anger management skills, regulate internet use, and contribute positively to their overall well-being. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of psychoeducation in managing anger and problematic internet use among adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the 2023–2024 academic year at a public secondary school in Bilecik using a quasi-experimental single-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 31 students who scored one standard deviation above the mean on the Anger Expression Inventory for Children and Adolescents (SÖÖİT) and the Internet Addiction Subscale of the Adolescent Computer Addiction Scale (EBBÖ). Data were collected through the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Internet Addiction Subscale of EBBÖ, and the SÖÖİT. The psychoeducation program consisted of two phases: a 6-week CBT- based anger management training and a 4-week CBT-based problematic internet use training. A follow-up test was administered six months after the completion of the program. RESULTS: Following the anger management training, reductions were observed in internet addiction, trait anger, and outward anger expression, while no significant changes were found in inward anger expression or anger control. After the problematic internet use training, significant decreases were observed in internet addiction, trait anger, and both inward and outward anger expression, although no significant difference was detected in anger control. The follow-up assessment indicated that these reductions were maintained, along with a significant improvement in anger control. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study indicate that the CBT-based psychoeducation program reduces problematic internet use and anger levels among adolescents while enhancing their anger management skills. In line with these results, it is recommended that the program be implemented on a broader scale and that the role of mental health nurses in community-based mental health services be strengthened. Keywords: Adolescents, anger, cognitive-behavioral approach, problematic ınternet use, psychoeducation