Psychopathological profiles of adolescent and young adult problematic Facebook users

Abstract

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in the use of the Facebook in recent years has led to problematic use. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore the psychopathological profiles of Facebook users. Participants and methodThe sample consisted of 456 adolescents and young adults aged from 12 to 25 with a Facebook account. They answered to an online self-questionnaire assessing Facebook use, motives for Facebook use, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, sensation seeking, borderline personality traits, parental bonding and attachment, and peer attachment. ResultsA three-cluster solution was identified among Facebook users. The first cluster, called “borderline” was well above the mean on borderline traits, depressive symptoms, social anxiety and sensation seeking. Another cluster, labeled “sensation seeking” was distinguished by high levels of sensation seeking and low levels of other psychopathological variables. The third cluster, called “low traits” was well below the mean on all psychopathological symptoms. DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first study that examined associations between problematic Facebook use, motives, attachment and psychopathological symptoms among a sample of adolescents and young adults, using a person-centered approach. This social network could become an indicator of psychopathological features among adolescents and young adults.