Behavioral Counseling Using Behavior Contract Techniques to Reduce Online Game Addiction in Grade VIII Students

Time management is a fundamental skill that directly contributes to a person’s effectiveness, productivity, and life balance. With good time management, individuals are able to set priorities, organize schedules, and make optimal use of every opportunity. However, along with the passage of time, online game addiction has led individuals to fall into deeply ingrained habits, making it difficult for them to break free from playing online games. The purpose of this study is to describe the effectiveness of Behavioral Counseling with the Behavior Contract Technique in reducing online game addiction among students. This research employs a quasi-experimental method with a Nonequivalent Control Group Pre-test and Post-test design. The method and instrument for data collection used questionnaires. The population in this study consisted of all eighth-grade students, totaling 53 students. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, consisting of 6 students in the experimental group and 6 students in the control group. The data analysis method applied in this study was parametric statistical analysis using the independent sample t-test, followed by an effect size test. The findings indicate that behavioral counseling with the Behavior Contract technique is effective in reducing online game addiction among eighth-grade students. The implication of this research is that behavioral counseling with the Behavior Contract can serve as an alternative guidance and counseling service strategy to help students reduce addictive behaviors in a more directed, measurable, and responsible manner.