The Relationship between Problematic Facebook Use and Early Maladaptive Schemas.

Andrzej Cudo,Daria J Kuss,Dorota Mącik,Mark D Griffiths

doi:10.3390/jcm9123921

Abstract

Facebook is an increasingly popular online social media platform for communication, entertainment, and information exchange. Previous studies have shown the relationship between problematic Facebook use (PFU) and mental health problems. Additionally, previous studies have reported associations between maladaptive cognitive schemas and mental health problems. However, little is known about their impact on problematic behavior associated with Facebook use. Consequently, the present study investigated the relationship between PFU and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) among Facebook users. The study comprised 619 Facebook users (568 females; age range from 18 to 30 years; M = 21.34, SD = 2.41 years). The severity of PFU was assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and EMS dimensions were assessed using the 90-item Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ–S3). The findings showed a positive relationship between PFU and EMSs, such as insufficient self-control/self-discipline and approval seeking. PFU was negatively associated with EMSs, such as social isolation/alienation and self-sacrifice schemas. Additionally, the findings showed that EMSs, as well as Facebook use characteristics, such as the time spent using Facebook per week, using Facebook apps, and number of friends on Facebook contributed to explaining the variance in PFU scores. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms related to the development of PFU, which are associated with cognitive schemas. Additionally, the results may be useful in developing more effective methods of prevention and treatment of this problematic behavior.

Highlights

Problematic Facebook use (PFU) has been defined as excessive engagement in Facebook activities causing problems in everyday social functioning [1]
There was a positive relationship between PFU and almost all early maladaptive schemas, except emotional deprivation, social isolation/alienation, self-sacrifice, emotional inhibition, and unrelenting standards
The present study investigated how much early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) contribute to explaining the variance in PFU scores in addition to the Facebook use characteristics

Summary

Introduction

Problematic Facebook use (PFU) has been defined as excessive engagement in Facebook activities causing problems in everyday social functioning [1]. Andreassen and Pallesen [2] described such behavior as “being overly concerned about SNSs (Social Networking Sites), to be driven by a strong motivation to log on to or use SNSs, and devote so much time and effort to SNSs that it impairs other social activities, studies/job, interpersonal relationships, and/or psychological health and well-being” Griffiths [3,4,5] has asserted that all behavioral addictions (including addictions to social media) comprise six components: salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict and relapse. Griffiths [5] asserts that, in order to recognize such behavior as addiction, all six listed components must be present. Problematic behavior may still be present even when some of these consequences are absent. It should be noted that there is no official diagnosis of PFU in any diagnostic manuals

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion