Sexting Behavior and Social Media Addiction as Predictors of Depression Anxiety and Stress among University Undergraduates

Abstract

This study examined the predictive influence of sexting behavior and social media addiction on the severities of depression anxiety and stress among undergraduates in a selected Nigerian university. Using a cross sectional survey, the study sample comprised of 299 participants (160 male and 139 female) with a mean age of 21 years. Participants responded to Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and the Sexting Behavior Scale (SBS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. 13.7% severe depression, 16.9% severe anxiety and 17.3% sever stress levels were reported. Factors of social media addiction (salience, tolerance, mood modification, relapse, withdrawal and conflict) jointly and significantly predicted depression (R² = .113 p= .000); Anxiety (R² = .105, p=.000); and stress (R² = .095, p= .000) among undergraduates. Sexting behavior significantly predicted the severity of depression (R² = .171, p= .000); anxiety (R² = .197,  p= .000); and stress (R² = .201,  p=.000). Results imply that there is a high incidence of depression, anxiety and stress among the undergraduates, and that sexting behavior and social media addiction are significant predictors of depression anxiety and stress among university undergraduates.