Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Magy Martin

Abstract

The use of social networking sites (SNSs) continues to increase. SNS addiction refers to the maladaptive behaviors associated with addiction and the use of SNSs. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between emotional dysregulation and SNS addiction as well as investigate the association between distress intolerance and SNS addiction through emotional dysregulation. The social cognitive theory served as the theoretical framework. A total of 210 individuals completed an anonymous online survey through Qualtrics, which consisted of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS). Linear regression was used to determine the predictive relationship between emotional dysregulation and SNS addiction. Results showed that emotional dysregulation did significantly predict SNS addiction, F(1, 208) = 79.867 and p < .05. The DERS subscales, impulse and clarity, significantly predicted SNS addiction (p < .001). Linear regression, multiple linear regression, and the Sobel Test were used to determine whether distress intolerance mediates the relationship between emotional dysregulation and SNS addiction. The Sobel Test showed that distress tolerance was not a significant mediating variable between emotional dysregulation and SNS addiction (SE = 0.077, p = 0.354). An implication for positive social change is that a study investigating emotional dysregulation, distress tolerance, and its relationship to SNS addiction may help mental health professionals identify specific maladaptive behaviors associated with SNS addiction that they can address directly and provide healthier coping strategies for emotional regulation.

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