The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Problematic Social Network Use and Trait Anxiety

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of emotion regulation (ER) in the relationship between problematic social network use (PSNU) and trait anxiety (TA) levels. Five hundred thirty-one adult participants residing in Türkiye took part in this correlational study. Data were collected using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Emotion Regulation Skills Scale. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess the mediating effect of ER. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between PSNU and TA. Additionally, a significant negative relationship was observed between PSNU and ER, as well as between ER and TA. ER was found to mediate the relationship between PSNU and TA. When ER was incorporated into the model, the direct effect of PSNU on TA decreased but remained statistically significant, indicating a partial mediation effect. PSNU alone accounted for 24% of the variance in TA; however, with the inclusion of ER as a mediator, the explained variance increased to 51%. The research model was validated, and the theoretical framework was supported. The results suggest that difficulties in ER may contribute to the behavioural addiction cycle of PSNU. Therefore, it is recommended that the interrelationships among anxiety, ER difficulties, and PSNU be considered in clinical assessment and treatment processes.