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Awad E, Rogoza R, Gerges S, Obeid S, Hallit S. Association of Social Media Use Disorder and Orthorexia Nervosa Among Lebanese University Students: The Indirect Effect of Loneliness and Factor Structure of the Social Media Use Disorder Short Form and the Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scales. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:1065-1084. [PMID: 36245332 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221132985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The current study aims to examine the relationship between Social Media Use Disorder (SMUD) and Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), and evaluate the indirect effect of loneliness in this association. This cross-sectional study was carried out between July and September 2021. A total of 363 university students were recruited through convenience sampling through several universities in Lebanon's governorates. Data about information about the social media applications mostly used (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), the number of times of entry to social media applications, the time spent on these applications, ON, loneliness and SMUD, were also collected. The Mplus v.7.2 software was used to estimate categorical confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of the SMD and loneliness scales. The one-factorial model of the SMD scale fitted well according to χ2/df (69.71/27 = 2.58), TLI (.967), CFI (.956), and RMSEA values (.066; CI [.047-.085]; pclose = .079). The one-factorial model of the loneliness scale fitted well according to χ2/df (10.30/5 = 2.06) TLI (=0.97), CFI (=0.98), and RMSEA values (=0.054; CI [0.000-0.101]; pclose = 0.379). When entering the social media applications and time spent on these applications as independent variables in a first regression model, using Instagram (Beta = 2.73), using Tumblr (Beta = 3.22), spending 30-60 minutes per day on social media apps compared to less than 30 minutes (Beta = 2.33), higher physical activity index (Beta = 0.04) and loneliness (Beta = 0.67) were significantly associated with more ON. When entering the SMUD score as an independent variable in a second regression model, the results showed that higher SMUD (Beta = 0.50) was significantly associated with more ON. Also, loneliness played a partial indirect role in the association between SMUD and ON (by 16%). The current results can help mental health professionals better detect these potential psychological disorders and might help improve future treatment of issues related to ON and SMUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Awad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Radoslaw Rogoza
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland; Social Innovation Chair, University of Lleida, Spain
| | - Sarah Gerges
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon; Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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2
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Gori A, Topino E, Gioia F, Casale S. Problematic Social Media Use in Young Adults: A Mixed Serial-Parallel Mediation Model Involving Alexithymia, Defense Mechanisms, and Fear of Missing Out. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2024; 27:340-346. [PMID: 38407872 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Problematic social media use (PSMU) can have profound and detrimental effects across various domains of life. As a result, scientific investigations into the risk factors associated with this phenomenon can hold substantial practical implications within the clinical and preventive realms. Consistently with this framework, this study aimed to examine the relationship between certain variables and PSMU, with a specific focus on alexithymia, defense mechanisms, and fear of missing out (FoMO). A sample of 340 young adults (Mage = 26.42 years; SD = 3.689) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, FoMO scale, 40-Item Defense Style Questionnaire, and 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results showed a statistically significant mixed serial-parallel mediation model. A significant total effect in the association between alexithymia and FoMO emerged. Furthermore, defense mechanisms and FoMO significantly and totally mediated this relationship. These findings have the potential to provide valuable insights in the field of clinical research on PSMU, and can offer practical information for enhancing clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gioia
- Department of Humanities, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Casale
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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3
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Gori A, Topino E. The Association between Alexithymia and Social Media Addiction: Exploring the Role of Dysmorphic Symptoms, Symptoms Interference, and Self-Esteem, Controlling for Age and Gender. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010152. [PMID: 36675813 PMCID: PMC9865469 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the popularity of social media and the growing presence of these tools in the daily lives of individuals, research about the elements that can be linked to their problematic use appears to be of great importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that may contribute to the levels of social media addiction, by focusing on the role of alexithymia, body image concern, and self-esteem, controlled for age and gender. A sample of 437 social media users (32.5% men, 67.5% women; Mage = 33.44 years, SD = 13.284) completed an online survey, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Body Image Concern Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, together with a demographic questionnaire. Results showed a significant association between alexithymia and social media addiction, with the total mediation of body image concern (and more in detail, body dissatisfaction) and the significant moderation of self-esteem. Gender and age showed significant effects in these relationships. Such findings may offer further insights into the field of clinical research on social media addiction and may provide useful information for effective clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12, Pad. 26, 50135 Firenze, Italy
- Integrated Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Via Ricasoli 32, 50122 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Via della Traspontina 21, 00193 Rome, Italy
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Shi J, van der Maas M, Yu L, Jiang Q, Agasee S, Turner NE. Current prevention strategies and future directions for problem Internet use. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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5
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Pace CS, Rogier G, Muzi S. How are the youth? A brief-longitudinal study on symptoms, alexithymia and expressive suppression among Italian adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 57:700-708. [PMID: 35729091 PMCID: PMC9350129 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies documented the negative consequences on adolescents' mental health of the stay-at-home measures adopted in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, few contributions focused on the psychopathological trajectories after the end of these stressful measures or investigated the moderating role of this context in the relationship linking psychological symptoms with emotion regulation. This brief longitudinal study was performed with two measurement times: during the severe lockdown (T1), and when the restrictive measures were relaxed (T2). Ninety-three community adolescents (45% boys; Mage = 14.94 years, SD = 1.64) completed the Youth Self Report, the Social Media Disorder Scale, the Binge Eating Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 items. Except for binge eating and externalising symptoms, all variables significantly decreased between T1 and T2. The relationship between expressive suppression and binge eating scores significantly decreased across time whereas the link between alexithymia and internalising symptoms increased with time. The study supported the idea that low-risk adolescents experienced psychological relief from the relaxation of stay-at-home measures. Results suggest the importance of considering contextual factors when explaining the role of expressive suppression and alexithymia in binge eating and internalising symptoms among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guyonne Rogier
- Department of Educational SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Stefania Muzi
- Department of Educational SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
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6
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Awad E, Hallit R, Haddad C, Akel M, Obeid S, Hallit S. Is problematic social media use associated with higher addictions (alcohol, smoking, and waterpipe) among Lebanese adults? Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:1554-1563. [PMID: 34716597 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the correlation between problematic social media use, alcohol use disorder, and smoking addiction through both cigarettes and waterpipe, among a sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and April 2019. It enrolled 461 residents of the community randomly selected from Lebanon's districts in a proportionate rate. RESULTS Higher problematic social media use was significantly associated with more waterpipe addiction but not cigarette dependence and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Awad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rabih Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon.,Department of Infectious Disease, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Department of Research, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.,Univ. Limoges, UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, Limoges, France.,INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Department of Research, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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El Frenn Y, Hallit S, Obeid S, Soufia M. Association of the time spent on social media news with depression and suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Lebanese economic crisis. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35582433 PMCID: PMC9099267 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03148-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The main objectives were to associate between social media news consumption during these unstable times and depression, as well as suicidal ideation among a sample of Lebanese adults, in addition to associate between fear of Covid-19, depression and suicidal ideation. Secondary objectives aimed to check the mediating effect of depression in the association between time spent on social media to get the news and the presence of suicidal ideation. This is a cross-sectional study executed between April and May 2021. It involved 402 Lebanese citizens aged 18 years and above, selected randomly from all Lebanese districts. Having cancer (Beta = 0.20) or lung disease (Beta = 0.27), more fear of COVID-19 (Beta = 0.16), a higher time spent on social media for news (Beta = 0.13) and a higher household crowding index (Beta = 0.29) were significantly associated with more depression, whereas having a pet in the house (Beta = -0.13) and working in the medical field (Beta = -0.17) were significantly associated with less depression. Higher depression (aOR = 1.19) was significantly associated with higher odds of having suicidal ideation, whereas more fear of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.84) and older age (aOR = 0.96) were significantly associated with less odds of having suicidal ideation. Depression did not mediate the association between time spent on social media to get the news and suicidal ideation. This study showed that more time spent on social media reading the news is associated with higher depression but not suicidal ideation. Fear of Covid-19 is associated with more depression, but less suicidal ideation. Further studies are needed to identify the causality between social media news consumption, depression and suicidal ideation. Moreover, awareness campaigns should be organized to teach people how to consume social media news in a responsible way, without letting it affect their emotions directly, which may cause psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara El Frenn
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478 Saudi Arabia
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
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8
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González-Nuevo C, Cuesta M, Postigo Á, Menéndez-Aller Á, Muñiz J. Problematic Social Network Use: Structure and Assessment. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 21:1-16. [PMID: 34876890 PMCID: PMC8638649 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00711-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Using social networks (SNs) inappropriately can lead to psychological problems. The objective of this study was to develop a new measuring instrument of problematic use of SNs. The sample comprised 1003 participants over 18 years old (M = 42.33; SD = 14.32). Exploratory factor analysis was performed with a randomly selected 30% of the sample, and confirmatory factor analysis with the remaining 70%. The reliability of the instrument was estimated, and evidence of validity in relation to the variables-anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life-was obtained. The new scale demonstrated a two-dimensional structure (GFI =0.99; RMSEA= 0.06), with one factor of negative social comparison (α = 0.94) and another of addictive consequences (α = 0.91). Clear evidence of validity related to other variables was found. The new scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. The advantage of this questionnaire is that it assesses not only excessive use but also social comparison through SNs.
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9
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Haddad C, Malaeb D, Sacre H, Bou Khalil J, Khansa W, Al Hajj R, Kheir N, Saade S, Obeid S, Hallit S. Association of problematic internet use with depression, impulsivity, anger, aggression, and social anxiety: Results of a national study among Lebanese adolescents. Pediatr Investig 2021; 5:255-264. [PMID: 34938966 PMCID: PMC8666947 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Several studies conducted worldwide (mostly in Western countries) highlighted the negative effects of problematic internet use, particularly among adolescents aged 12 to 17, including depression, impulsivity, aggression, and social fear and avoidance. In Lebanon, literature on the prevalence and impact of problematic internet use among adolescents is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aim was to study the association between problematic internet use and depression, impulsivity, anger, aggression and social phobia among Lebanese adolescents. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed on 1103 young adolescents (14-17 years), recruited from October 2017 till April 2018. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to evaluate the level of problematic internet use. Data were analyzed using the MANCOVA analysis. The main independent variable of interest was the IAT, while the dependent variables included the psychological scales. RESULTS The multivariate analysis taking the psychological scales as the dependent variables and the problematic internet use (IAT score) as an independent variable, showed that problematic internet use was associated with higher depression, impulsivity, aggression, anger, hostility and social anxiety. INTERPRETATION Problematic internet use has become an important health issue that should not be overlooked, particularly because of the increased use of the internet by adolescents. Educational programs on early exposure to the internet should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadia Haddad
- Research DepartmentPsychiatric Hospital of the CrossJal EddibLebanon
- INSERMUniv. LimogesCHU EsquirolIRDU1094 Tropical NeuroepidemiologyInstitute of Epidemiology and Tropical NeurologyGEISTLimogesFrance
- INSPECT‐LB: Institut National de SantéPublique, Epidémiologie Clinique et ToxicologieBeirutLebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of PharmacyLebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
- Life sciences and health departmentParis‐Est UniversityParisFrance
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT‐LB: Institut National de SantéPublique, Epidémiologie Clinique et ToxicologieBeirutLebanon
| | - Jad Bou Khalil
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical SciencesHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)JouniehLebanon
| | - Wael Khansa
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical SciencesHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)JouniehLebanon
| | - Roula Al Hajj
- Faculty of Arts and SciencesHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)JouniehLebanon
| | - Nelly Kheir
- Research DepartmentPsychiatric Hospital of the CrossJal EddibLebanon
| | - Sylvia Saade
- School of PharmacyLebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and SciencesHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)JouniehLebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Research DepartmentPsychiatric Hospital of the CrossJal EddibLebanon
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical SciencesHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK)JouniehLebanon
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10
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Sfeir E, Hallit S, Akel M, Salameh P, Obeid S. Smartphone addiction and personality traits among Lebanese adults: the mediating role of self-esteem. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 28:1190-1200. [PMID: 34670447 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1995886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Smartphone usage in Lebanon is increasing constantly. Lebanese population especially university students were described to be at a higher risk of smartphone addiction compared to the general population. To our knowledge there has been no study in the literature that investigated the mediating effect of self-esteem when assessing personality traits and smartphone addiction in young adults. The aim of our study was to assess factors associated with smartphone addiction and investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the association between smartphone addiction and personality traits. A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and September 2020, during the lockdown period imposed by the government for the COVID-19 pandemic and that coincides with the summer season vacation for most Lebanese, using a sample of community-dwelling participants aged 18 to 29 years. The snowball technique was followed for participants' recruitment. The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 22.25 ± 2.87 years, with 70.9% females. The results showed that 216 (46.9%) of the participants had smartphone addiction. Higher negative emotionality (Beta = 0.17) was significantly associated with more smartphone addiction, whereas higher self-esteem (Beta = -0.37) and household crowding index (Beta = -1.58) were significantly associated with less smartphone addiction. Self-esteem mediated the association between negative emotionality and smartphone addiction. Lebanese young adults were found to be at a high risk of smartphone addiction. These results might serve as a first step towards implementing preventive measures to reduce smartphone addiction. Improving face to face communication, as well as setting specific time for cell phone usage might help reduce the development of addictive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Sfeir
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Department of Pediatrics, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Lebanon.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
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11
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Zeidan J, Hallit S, Akel M, Louragli I, Obeid S. Problematic smartphone use and affective temperaments among Lebanese young adults: scale validation and mediating role of self-esteem. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:136. [PMID: 34496954 PMCID: PMC8424409 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults all over the world face serious issues from problematic smartphone use (PSU). It influences them negatively on a cognitive, behavioral, and emotional level, as well as on their tendencies and well-being. In Lebanon, the prevalence of PSU was shown to be 20.2% within the adult population, specifically with young adults (18-34 years old). This study investigates the validity and reliability of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) Arabic version. In addition, this study evaluates the association between PSU and affective temperaments and the mediating role of self-esteem in this association. METHOD A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and September 2020, using a sample of community-dwelling participants aged 18 to 29 years. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was used to evaluate smartphone addiction among adolescents and adults. The five different temperaments of the patients were assessed by using the Affective temperament Scale (TEMPS-A). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to evaluate self-esteem. RESULTS 461 participants were included in this study. All items of the SAS were extracted and yielded a one-factor solution with Eigenvalues > 1 (variance explained = 49.96%; αCronbach = 0.886). The confirmatory analysis results consolidated those obtained from the factor analysis. Higher depressive temperament (B = 0.46) was significantly associated with more smartphone addiction, whereas higher self-esteem (B = - 0.28) was significantly associated with less smartphone addiction. Self-esteem was found to mediate the association between depressive and hyperthymic temperaments with smartphone addiction. CONCLUSION This study added a better understanding of the high smartphone addiction rate among adults in Lebanon. It confirms the association between affective temperaments and PSU through the mediating effect of self-esteem on Lebanese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Zeidan
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Toxicology, Beirut, Lebanon.,School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Sahar Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.,INSPECT-LB: National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Toxicology, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Dagher M, Farchakh Y, Barbar S, Haddad C, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S. Association between problematic social media use and memory performance in a sample of Lebanese adults: the mediating effect of anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia. Head Face Med 2021; 17:6. [PMID: 33622360 PMCID: PMC7901207 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-021-00260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia and problematic social media use are able to alter our memories and might have an impact on memory function and retrieval. More studies are needed to better understand the relationship between memory performance and mental health disorders, especially the ones that could be related to problematic social media use. The objective of this study was to evaluate any association between problematic social media use, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia vs memory performance among a representative sample of Lebanese people. METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 466 community dwelling participants using a proportionate random sample from all Lebanese governorates. The questionnaire consisted of the following measures: the Memory Awareness Rating Scale (MARS) to assesses views of memory performance, the problematic social media use scale to measure the degree of addiction to social media, the Hamilton depression rating scale and Hamilton anxiety scale to assess depression and anxiety respectively, the Beirut Distress Scale to assess stress and the Lebanese Insomnia sale to assess insomnia. The data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 25. A linear regression was conducted, taking the memory performance scale as the dependent variable. A mediation analysis was performed to test the effect of problematic social media use on memory performance mediated by depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia. RESULTS Higher problematic social media use (Beta = - 0.21) and higher anxiety (Beta = - 0.25) were significantly associated with lower memory performance. The association between problematic social media use and memory performance was partially mediated by anxiety (21.19%) but not depression, stress or insomnia. CONCLUSION Concerning problematic social media use, a clear correlation was demonstrated in this study linking it to lower memory performances. Future studies should evaluate the possible mechanisms and methods for effective awareness especially towards the younger generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Dagher
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Farchakh
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sam Barbar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Univ. Limoges, UMR 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Institut d'Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, GEIST, 87000, Limoges, France
- Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Building 560, Street 8, Biakout, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Building 560, Street 8, Biakout, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Building 560, Street 8, Biakout, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
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Youssef L, Hallit R, Kheir N, Obeid S, Hallit S. Social media use disorder and loneliness: any association between the two? Results of a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:56. [PMID: 32487222 PMCID: PMC7268264 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Lebanon, it is already established that mental disorders are prevalent among the population. Lebanese people are active users of social media platforms. To date, no study has previously explored the relationship between mental health and social media use disorder in Lebanon. The present study aims to learn more about the link between social media use disorder and loneliness among Lebanese people. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2018. It enrolled 456 residents of the community randomly selected from Lebanon's governorates in a proportionate rate. RESULTS The results showed that 107 (23.7%) participants were classified as having social media use disorder. The results of a stepwise linear regression, taking the loneliness score as the dependent variable, showed that female gender compared to males (Beta = 0.42), having a secondary level of education compared to illiteracy (Beta = 0.65), higher social media use disorder (Beta = 0.03) and higher insomnia (Beta = 0.02) and alexithymia (Beta = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher loneliness. CONCLUSION The present study was able to contribute to the literature and showed the association between social media use disorder and loneliness. These findings can benefit psychologists and public health practitioners in their future prevention and intervention plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Youssef
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Nelly Kheir
- Faculty of Pedagogy, Holy Family University, Batroun, 5534, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Departments of Research and Psychology, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon.
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