THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION AND MARITAL ADJUSTMENT IN TURKISH WOMEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Aim: This study explored the association between marital adjustment and social media addiction among Turkish women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This descriptive study included a sample of 480 women. Data were collected online using a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Marital Adjustment Test (MAT), and the Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form (SMAS-AF). Results: Participants reported increased social media usage during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (p < .001), although their SMAS-AF scores were not high. The findings indicated that marital adjustment levels were not significantly impacted by the pandemic (p > .05). A negative correlation was observed between fear of COVID-19 and marital adjustment during the pandemic (p < .05). However, no significant relationship was found between marital adjustment and social media addiction (p > .05). Conclusion: While social media usage increased during the pandemic, it did not adversely affect marital adjustment. Fear of COVID-19 appeared to have a greater influence on marital adjustment than the pandemic itself. Promoting the mindful use of social media could potentially support marital harmony. Therefore, authorities should focus on raising awareness about social media use and offering professional, community-based psychological support to help couples manage their fear of COVID-19.