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      Upward social comparisons and posting under the influence: Investigating social media behaviors of U.S. adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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          Abstract

          Introduction: The use of social media has been steadily increasing among U.S. adults, and while time spent on social media has been linked to certain mental health difficulties, it remains unclear precisely which social media behaviors may be damaging to mental well-being. The current study aimed to identify specific social media behaviors related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Methods: U.S adults (n = 1,314) aged 18 to 82 (M = 35.74) who actively use social media were recruited to participate in an online survey assessing specific social media behaviors. The Patient Health Questionnaire was included to assess the presence of GAD. Univariate analyses were conducted to identify specific social media behaviors associated with GAD. A stepwise binary multivariate logistic regression was developed to determine the key social media behaviors most strongly associated with GAD. Results: Analyses at the univariate level showed a trend, such that individuals with GAD endorsed behaviors associated with social media addiction and censorship. Other behaviors associated with GAD included a greater likelihood of participants comparing themselves to others who are better off than they are, being bothered if unfriended/unfollowed, and being more likely to post under the influence. The multivariate logistic regression model identified two key social media factors most strongly associated with GAD: participants comparing themselves to others better off (p < .001) and posting while drinking alcohol (p = .044).Conclusion: Upward social comparisons and alcohol use while on social media are significantly associated with GAD in an adult population. Keywords: Anxiety Disorder; Social Media; Upward Comparisons; Alcohol Use

          Author and article information

          Journal
          Spotlight on Mental Health Research
          Mental Health Research
          Spotlight on Research
          October 29 2019
          Affiliations
          [1 ]Texas State University, Department of Psychology
          [2 ]Texas State University, Department of Communications
          Article
          10.35831/sor.mh.bonnette19
          d3c08e1a-76b7-4628-a8aa-c29ddff00ae0
          © 2019

          The license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ lets others remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge the source and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.

          History

          Psychology,Environmental change,Health & Social care,Complementary & Alternative medicine,Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry,Public health

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