Linking Social Media Addiction, Psychological Distress and Marital Satisfaction: A Study of Married Couples

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationships among social media addiction, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress), and marital satisfaction among married individuals, with a particular focus on the predictive role of social media addiction in influencing psychological distress and marital satisfaction. This research was important given the rising global prevalence of social media use and its emerging association with mental health issues and relationship challenges. Informed by prior literature, which highlighted links between excessive social media use and both psychological and interpersonal difficulties, the study employed a quantitative correlational design. A convenience sample of 300 married individuals aged 20 to 60 years (M = 21.61, SD = 3.10) was surveyed using validated tools: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression analyses. Results revealed that social media addiction was significantly and positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Regression analysis showed that social media addiction significantly predicted all three components of psychological distress. The study contributes to understanding how digital behaviors affect emotional and relational well-being. Limitations included the use of self-report measures, convenience sampling, and a cross-sectional design. Future research should adopt longitudinal approaches to explore causal pathways and examine potential interventions.