Mediated roles of generalized trust and perceived social support in the effects of problematic social media use on mental health: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background Current literature lacks evidence concerning how problematic social media use associates with mental health. To address the gap, the present study used mediation models to examine whether generalized trust and perceived social support (PSS) are potential mediators in the relationship between problematic social media use and mental health. Methods The sample comprised Iranian adults (n = 1073; 614 females). The participants completed a number of scales to assess problematic social media use (Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale), generalized trust (Generalized Trust Scale), PSS (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, happiness (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and mental quality of life (Short Form‐12). Results Problematic social media use had negative effects on happiness and mental quality of life via the mediators of generalized trust (bootstrapping SE = 0.017; effect = −0.041; 95% CI = −0.079, −0.012) and PSS (bootstrapping SE = 0.023; effect = −0.163; 95% CI = −0.211, −0.119). Problematic social media use had positive effects on anxiety and depression via the mediators of generalized trust (bootstrapping SE = 0.022; effect = 0.064; 95% CI = 0.026, 0.113) and PSS (bootstrapping SE = 0.024; effect = 0.052; 95% CI = 0.009, 0.102). Conclusions Problematic social media use, generalized trust and PSS are important factors for an individual's mental health. Health‐care providers may want to assist individuals regardless of having mental health problems in reducing their problematic social media use and improving their generalized trust and social support.

Widowhood and Health Status Among Chinese Older Adults: The Mediation Effects of Different Types of Support

“…Specifically, emotional support and companionship play a significant role in the relationship between widowhood and mental health as well as physical health. However, the contribution of social support here is small, as has also been found in other research exploring the mechanism of health outcomes ( 82 – 84 ). But this kind of small mediating role does exist, especially the mediating effect of emotional support and companionship.…”

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“…Specifically, emotional support and companionship play a significant role in the relationship between widowhood and mental health as well as physical health. However, the contribution of social support here is small, as has also been found in other research exploring the mechanism of health outcomes (82)(83)(84). But this kind of small mediating role does exist, especially the mediating effect of emotional support and companionship.…”

Suicidal Ideation during the COVID-19 Pandemic among A Large-Scale Iranian Sample: The Roles of Generalized Trust, Insomnia, and Fear of COVID-19

“…All six items (e.g., “Most people are basically honest”) are rated on a five-point scale with a higher score indicating a higher level of generalized trust [ 21 , 31 ]. The GTS was recently translated into Persian for Iranians and demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties (Cronbach’s α = 0.89 and is unidimensional among the Iranian general population [ 18 , 32 ]).…”

“…Generalized trust (which is also called ‘general trust’ or simply ‘trust’ by some researchers) is defined as “a willingness to be vulnerable to the actions of others” [ 17 ] and is found to be an important societal factor in assisting individuals in maintaining daily living [ 18 ]. Generalized trust has been found to be a factor that contributes to good social relationships, which may subsequently improve individuals’ health via the mutual trust and positive interactions between individuals [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”