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Unravelling the Association Between Trait Mindfulness and Problematic Social Media Use in Youth
Elisa Galli1, Marta Sannino2, Zidane Dridi2
1Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Acceptance of trait mindfulness, not awareness, significantly predicts problematic social media use (PSMU) in young adults. Cultivating a non-judgmental stance may protect against PSMU by aiding emotional regulation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Well-being
Background:
- Problematic social media use (PSMU) is a growing concern among young individuals, impacting psychological well-being and daily functioning.
- Personality traits are crucial in understanding PSMU, yet some traits like mindfulness remain under-researched compared to narcissism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive role of trait mindfulness (awareness and acceptance) in problematic social media use (PSMU).
- To examine this relationship while controlling for sociodemographic factors and narcissistic traits (grandiose and vulnerable).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 180 young adults (mean age = 22.16 years, 95% female).
- Participants completed validated scales for narcissism, trait mindfulness, and problematic social media use.
- Regression analyses were employed to assess the predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- Only the acceptance component of trait mindfulness significantly predicted problematic social media use (PSMU).
- Awareness of trait mindfulness did not show a significant predictive relationship with PSMU.
Conclusions:
- Accepting internal experiences without judgment, a facet of trait mindfulness, appears to be a protective factor against problematic social media use (PSMU).
- This protective effect may operate through enhanced affect regulation and emotional acceptance, suggesting mindfulness-based interventions could be beneficial.
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