Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

Summer 2022

Thesis Director

JungSu Oh

Thesis Committee Member

Anne M. Walk

Thesis Committee Member

Wesley D. Allan

Abstract

Recent research has shown a relationship between problematic social media use and depression symptoms in adults in the United States. Social comparison has been identified as a mediator in this relationship in previous studies. Little research has explored the underlying mechanisms in social media use and the onset of depression symptoms in college aged students. The present study examines whether social comparison mediates the relationship between problematic social media use and depression symptoms in 102 college students in the US. The participants completed measures of problematic social media use, social comparison, and depression symptoms. The results indicated a positive relationship between problematic social media use and depression symptoms. A mediation analysis was conducted and found a partial mediation of social comparison in this presented relationship.

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