The Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Therapy on Psychological and Cognitive Components of Students with Internet Addiction: Loneliness, Alexithymia, and Cognitive Inhibition

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 Psychology Department, Literature and Humanity Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 , Department of Psychology, Literature and Humanities Faculty, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Aim: In recent years, the high prevalence of internet addiction among students and its psychological and cognitive consequences, such as loneliness, alexithymia, and impaired cognitive inhibition, have drawn researchers’ attention. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of (tDCS) therapy on psychological and cognitive components of students with internet addiction: Loneliness, Alexithymia, and Cognitive Inhibition.
Research Methodology: The research design was semi-experimental, utilizing a pretest-posttest approach with a control group. The population of the study comprised all internet addicted students at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in the academic year 2021-2022. A total of 30 participants were selected using purposive sampling. Following initial assessments, the (tDCS) therapy was administered for10 sessions of 20 minutes over three consecutive weeks, using a specified electrode protocol stimulating the F3 region and inhibiting the F4 region. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-26.
Findings: The results showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the variables of loneliness, alexithymia, and internet addiction, but no significant difference was found in cognitive inhibition. In other words, tDCS therapy is effective in reducing feelings of loneliness, alexithymia, and internet addiction in students with internet addiction.
Conclusion: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used as a non-invasive and effective method to reduce psychological symptoms associated with internet addiction (loneliness and alexithymia).

Keywords

References

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Clinical Psychology Studies
Volume 16, Issue 60
September 2025
Pages 41-54

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