ACT-Based Psychoeducation for Youth With Social Media Addiction

Summary

While social media offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also brings significant challenges, particularly social media addiction, characterized by excessive and uncontrolled use. Although not officially recognized as a diagnostic category, its inclusion among behavioral addictions reflects its growing impact on mental health. Social media addiction may lead to psychological symptoms such as family and social conflicts, stress due to unmet responsibilities, anxiety, and irritability. This problem has become especially critical among young people. A 2025 meta-analysis found the prevalence of social media addiction among university students to be 18.4% and reported negative effects on academic achievement. Research also shows that social media addiction is associated with decreased self-esteem, emotion regulation difficulties, and dysfunctional interpersonal relationships. Social comparison tendencies and idealized digital identity presentations further harm young individuals' self-perceptions, contributing to low self-esteem and social anxiety.

Interpersonal difficulties experienced in relationships are defined as "interpersonal problems," while the cognitive-behavioral processes used to resolve these difficulties are called "interpersonal problem solving." These skills are essential for effective conflict resolution, social adaptation, relationship quality, and overall well-being. Social media shapes both the emergence and resolution of interpersonal problems; however, current knowledge in this area is limited. Excessive use contributes to interpersonal conflicts, deterioration of relationships, and reduced face-to-face communication. Thus, social media addiction may impair interpersonal problem-solving skills by disrupting daily functioning.

Although the literature includes correlational studies on social media addiction, self-esteem, and interpersonal functioning, research testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducation remains scarce. This study offers a theoretical contribution by applying a third-wave therapy approach to the psychosocial challenges of the digital age. It aims to evaluate the effects of an ACT-based psychoeducation program developed for young individuals with social media addiction on self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Given the limited number of such programs in Türkiye, this study is original and aims to fill an important gap in the literature.

Conditions

• Social Media Addiction
• Self Esteem
• Interpersonal Problem
• Problem-solving

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

ACT-Based Psychoeducational Program

The intervention consists of an 8-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducational program aimed at improving self-esteem and interpersonal problem-solving skills and reducing social media addiction among young adults. Sessions will be delivered in small groups of 6-7 participants by a trained researcher with certification in ACT and psychoeducation. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (pre-test), interim follow-up, and post-test. During the program, participants will engage in ACT exercises, mindfulness practices, and value-based activities, focusing on psychological flexibility, coping with negative internal experiences, and enhancing effective interpersonal strategies. Participants will also complete validated scales for self-esteem, interpersonal problem-solving, and social media addiction at each assessment point.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Gaziantep

  collaborator OTHER

• Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Zeynep KEKEÇ, PhD student · Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Health Sciences

• Döndü ÇUHADAR, PhD · Gaziantep University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-10

Primary Completion

2026-01-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations