Emotional regulation and problematic use of social networks in adolescents: The role of depressive symptomatology

Abstract

At present, the problematic use of social networks is considered a risk factor for adolescent mental health due to the negative consequences present in psychosocial functioning. Objective. The objective of the study was to know the relationship between emotional regulation and the problematic use of social networks, as well as the mediating role of depression. Method. For this purpose, a correlational study was carried out in a sample of 884 secondary school adolescents in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. The self-informed instruments WLEIS, DASS and SMAQ were administered to evaluate the variables emotional regulation, depression and problematic use of social networks, respectively. Results. The results obtained showed a negative relationship between emotional regulation and problematic use of social networks and a partial mediating role of depression in this relationship. Conclusions. According to the results, it is suggested that deficits in emotional regulation could be an antecedent factor of the problematic use of social networks, underlying as an explanatory mechanism of this relationship the presence of depressive symptomatology in adolescents. The empirical evidence found and its relationship in clinical interventions with adolescents are discussed.