The relevance of emotion regulation, procrastination, and perceived stress for problematic social media use in a representative sample of children and adolescents

Background: Social media use is widespread among minors. Already children and adolescents can be affected by a problematic social media use (PSMU). Deficits in emotion regulation are becoming increasingly important as an explanation for psychological strain. In the present study, associations between different facets of emotion regulation and PSMU in childhood and adolescence were investigated for the first time. Methods: In a representative sample of 1221 10- to 17-year-olds, standardized questionnaires were used to survey PSMU, emotion regulation, procrastination, and perceived stress. We used correlation and multivariable regression analyses to determine the associations. Results: Bivariate statistically significant relations were found between PSMU and lower age, more pronounced problems in all six facets of emotion regulation, procrastination, and stress. In the multivariable regression, PSMU was associated with lower age, stronger impulse control difficulties, stronger difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, stronger procrastination and higher perceived stress (Corrected R² = 0.26). Conclusion: For the first time, the importance of emotion regulation (especially difficulties in impulse control and goal-oriented behavior), procrastination and perceived stress for PSMU in childhood and adolescence was observed. In prevention measures, deficits in emotion regulation or coping strategies and dealing with procrastination could be addressed.