Application of mixed methods in behavioral addiction research: an international methodological systematic review

While mixed methods research has become increasingly common across various disciplines, methodological reviews on its implementation remain limited. This study aimed to examine how mixed methods have been applied in behavioral addiction research. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 30 mixed methods articles published between January 2010 and February 2021 were identified. Among these, 63.3% cited expansion as the rationale for using mixed methods and 56.7% employed a convergent design. In terms of sampling, 53.3% collected data synchronously, with most samples following a nested relationship structure (43.3%). Handout surveys (60%) and individual interviews (53.3%) were the most common data collection methods. Integration primarily occurred at the interpretation stage. Based on these findings, this study recommends a clearer articulation of rationale, consistent use of design terminology, balanced rigor between quantitative and qualitative approaches, and stronger integration of methods.