Exploring the Role of Problematic Social Network Site Use in the Link Between Reflective Functioning and Identity Processes in Adolescents
Open accessAbstract
Literature highlighted that problematic social network site use might have relevant detrimental consequences on users’ well-being, particularly in adolescence. However, it is still not clear which variables could be considered protective or risk factors for such problematic use. The present study aimed to fill this gap, examining the relationship between reflective functioning and adolescents’ identity development, while taking problematic SNS use into account. A sample of 354 students (age range = 13–19; Mage = 16.18, SD = 1.58; 19.9% males) from two Italians high schools participated in the study. Results from structural equation modeling showed that adolescents with high levels of reflective functioning reported lower levels of problematic SNS use. Furthermore, problematic SNS use mediated the relationship between reflective functioning and identity development, by disfavouring identity in-depth exploration and favouring reconsideration of commitment. We discussed clinical and research implications.
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One study reported that individuals who spent excessive amounts of time on social media were more likely to have identity uncertainty.
“another study reported that individuals who spent excessive amounts of time on social media were more likely to have identity uncertainty (Imperato et al., 2022).”
From A Systematic Review of Social Media Use and Adolescent Identity Development (2025) · cites this paper as Imperato et al., 2022
One study indicated that adolescents who spent excessive or normal amount of time on social media tended to quit their commitments.
“another study indicated that adolescents who spent excessive or normal amount of time on social media tended to quit their commitments (Imperato et al., 2022).”
From A Systematic Review of Social Media Use and Adolescent Identity Development (2025) · cites this paper as Imperato et al., 2022
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- Authors
- Imperato, C., Mancini, T., & Musetti, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Parma (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Imperato, Chiara
- Venue
- International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Published
- 2022-03-23
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 3430-3445
- ISSN
- 1557-1874 (ISSN-L)
- 1557-1882
- OpenAlex
- W4221049667
- Cited by
- 16
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 2
- FWCI
- 5.40
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Locations
- International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- Università degli Studi di Parma
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
- Keywords
- reflective functioning, identity construction, adolescents, protective factors, risk factors, mediation
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