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Conceptual Study
| Published: March 31, 2026
Digital Detox for Mental Health: Reconceptualising an Ancient Practice for Modern India
Student of M.Sc. Counseling Psychology; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) (Deemed to be University), Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 603103. India.
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Student of M.Sc. Counseling Psychology; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) (Deemed to be University), Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 603103. India.
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Student of M.Sc. Counseling Psychology; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) (Deemed to be University), Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 603103. India.
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Student of M.Sc. Counseling Psychology; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) (Deemed to be University), Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 603103. India.
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DIP: 18.01.313.20261401
DOI: 10.25215/1401.313
ABSTRACT
The exponential growth in digital device usage across India has led to emerging concerns about mental health impacts, particularly among young adults. This conceptual paper examines “digital detox” as a mental health intervention by situating it within existing psychological frameworks while acknowledging unique Indian cultural contexts. Drawing parallels between ancient contemplative traditions and modern psychological approaches, we propose a conceptual model that frames digital detox not as a novel intervention but as a contemporary application of established self-regulation principles. The DIGITAL-BALANCE framework offers counselling psychologists a structured approach for conceptualizing and implementing interventions that address problematic digital usage patterns. By integrating traditional Indian concepts of mindfulness with contemporary psychological theory, this framework provides a culturally relevant approach for addressing digital wellbeing in the Indian context. The paper concludes with implications for counselling psychology practice and suggestions for adapting the framework across diverse settings.
Keywords
Digital detox, conceptual framework, mental health, India, counselling psychology, mindfulness, self-regulation
This is an Open Access Research distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
© 2026, Anusha, A., Ishwarya, V., Mahalakshmi, S. & Mufina, B.J.
Received: May 13, 2025; Revision Received: March 27, 2026; Accepted: March 31, 2026
Mufina Begam J @ mufinabegamj@gmail.com
Article Overview
ISSN 2348-5396
ISSN 2349-3429
18.01.313.20261401
10.25215/1401.313
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Published in Volume 14, Issue 1, January-March, 2026