Lara Youssef1, Rabih Hallit2, Marwan Akel3,4, Nelly Kheir5, Sahar Obeid4,6,7, Souheil Hallit2,4. 1. Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Notre Dame University, Zouk, Lebanon. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon. 3. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon. 4. INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon. 5. Faculty of Pedagogy, Holy Family University, Batroun, Lebanon. 6. Departments of Research and Psychology, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon. 7. Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To learn more about the association between social media use disorder and alexithymia among Lebanese people. DESIGN/ METHODS: Four hundred fifty-six residents participated in this cross-sectional study which was carried out between January and December 2018. FINDINGS: The results showed that 107 (23.7%) participants were classified as having social media use disorder. Higher social media use disorder score (β = .52), higher perceived stress (β = .35), and higher depression (β = .12) were significantly associated with more alexithymia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our results have shown that social media use disorder and being depressed and stressed were associated with higher levels of alexithymia. Psychologists/health practitioners can benefit from these findings in their future prevention and intervention plans. People who negatively utilize social media platforms can then be offered with appropriate counseling and coping mechanisms.
PURPOSE: To learn more about the association between social media use disorder and alexithymia among Lebanese people. DESIGN/ METHODS: Four hundred fifty-six residents participated in this cross-sectional study which was carried out between January and December 2018. FINDINGS: The results showed that 107 (23.7%) participants were classified as having social media use disorder. Higher social media use disorder score (β = .52), higher perceived stress (β = .35), and higher depression (β = .12) were significantly associated with more alexithymia. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Our results have shown that social media use disorder and being depressed and stressed were associated with higher levels of alexithymia. Psychologists/health practitioners can benefit from these findings in their future prevention and intervention plans. People who negatively utilize social media platforms can then be offered with appropriate counseling and coping mechanisms.