An Exploratory Study of First-Year Students’ Mental Health Support and Problematic Use of Social Media

Limniou, Maria ORCID: 0000-0002-6317-4038, Raja, Munira, Donovan, Mia and Hands, Caroline ORCID: 0000-0002-0898-8258 (2025) An Exploratory Study of First-Year Students’ Mental Health Support and Problematic Use of Social Media Trends in Higher Education, 4 (1). p. 9. ISSN 2813-4346, 2813-4346

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Abstract

First-year university students face mental health challenges like adjusting to independence, forming new friendships and coping with academic pressures. Research highlights mixed findings on social media use; some students use social media to connect with family and/or friends while experiencing mental health issues (i.e., loneliness, depression and anxiety), and others turn to social media for support. This study explores the associations between problematic social media use, mental health and perceived support from university, friends and family while considering EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) factors such as age, gender and disability. EDI promotes fairness and equal opportunities for learning and support ensuring all students receive equitable access to resources regardless of their individual differences. A total of 158 first-year student participants from the Psychology, Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Computer Science departments completed an online questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that females used social media more frequently than males and problematic social media use was linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, but not loneliness. University and friend support was associated with depression only, while family support showed no significant relationship with anxiety, depression and loneliness. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting student well-being and academic success.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	5203 Clinical and Health Psychology, 52 Psychology, Mental Illness, Brain Disorders, Depression, Behavioral and Social Science, Mental Health, Basic Behavioral and Social Science, Mental health, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	19 Feb 2025 09:15
Last Modified:	27 Dec 2025 04:07
DOI:	10.3390/higheredu4010009
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu4010009
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3190386
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