Abstract:

In recent years, the rate of internet use among children and adolescents has increased. Problematic internet use, which is a problem that arises as a result of uncontrolled and excessive use of the internet, negatively affects the development of children and adolescents. Studies to be carried out in schools on problematic internet use are necessary to prevent and solve the problem. In this context, it is essential to examine the sensitivities and approaches of psychological counselor candidates who will conduct studies on the subject in schools. This study examines the pre-service psychological counselor's sensitivities and intervention approaches regarding problematic internet use. The case study model, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the research. The participants of the study consisted of 60 psychological counselor candidates. In the examination, we obtained the data through semi-structured interviews. In the data analysis, we used descriptive and content analysis techniques. Participants showed sensitivity to the dimensions of problematic internet use at different frequencies. In addition, the intervention approaches of the participants were discussed in two main themes: "effort to understand the causes of the problem" and "effort to realize the solution of the problem." The results obtained from the research were discussed in light of the literature, and various suggestions were made.

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