Problematic social media use and psychological distress: a symptom-focused network analysis

Yang, Z, Xu, W, Yan, Z and Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524, 2025. Problematic social media use and psychological distress: a symptom-focused network analysis. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. ISSN 1557-1874

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Abstract

The relationship between problematic social media use (PSMU) and psychological distress has been widely investigated and confirmed. However, little is known about the connections between the specific symptoms of these variables within a comorbidity network. The present study aimed to establish a network model of the symptoms of PSMU and psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and stress) and to identify the most central and bridging symptoms using network analysis. A total of 822 participants were recruited to complete surveys assessing PSMU, anxiety, depression, and stress. Results showed that psychological distress symptoms “panic” (anxiety), “agitated” (stress), and “down-hearted” (depression) were the most central symptoms in the comorbidity network. PSMU symptoms “mood modification” and “conflict/functional impairment” played a bridging or intermediary role within the network. The present study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the association between PSMU and psychological distress at the symptom level and provides potential suggestions for interventions to help prevent PSMU.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Creators:	Yang, Z., Xu, W., Yan, Z. and Griffiths, M.D.
Publisher:	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date:	21 January 2025
ISSN:	1557-1874
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1007/s11469-025-01446-w DOI 2354826 Other
Rights:	This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01446-w
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	22 Jan 2025 13:44
Last Modified:	22 Jan 2025 13:44
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/52908

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