The Association Between Social Media, Toxic Masculinity, and Depression in Young Adult Males

<p>The world is shaped by diverse influences that significantly affect individuals’ internal landscapes, leading to both positive and negative effects with profound implications for society. Role models play a pivotal role in shaping the aspirations of young adult males by providing direct and indirect lessons that leave lasting impressions and influence their worldview. In recent years, social media use, toxic masculinity, and mental health have garnered significant attention in understanding the experiences of young adult males. The focus in this study was to examine the relationships between social media use, toxic masculinity, and depression in young adult males ranging in age from 18–25 years. The study involved a quantitative analysis of social media usage patterns and depression symptoms alongside an exploration of perceptions and experiences related to toxic masculinity. Specifically, the study was designed to examine whether the relationship between social media use and depression is moderated by toxic masculinity. The findings show social media use had a direct effect on depression and on toxic masculinity, but the results did not provide evidence of an interaction. The findings and implications of the results are discussed.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2024

Author dc:creator

• Warren, Anthony

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. L. Horvath
• Dr. O. Cartman
• Dr. B. Olson

• Clinical Psychology
• Community Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/852

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1913