Development and Initial Validation of a Social Media Identity Distress Scale Among Emerging Adults. (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Ye; Watson, Joshua C.; Lenz, A. Stephen
• Is Part Of: Measurement & evaluation in counseling & development. Volume 54:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Social media -- identity distress -- emerging adults -- factor analysis; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; 361.060287
• DOI: 10.1080/07481756.2020.1827435
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1756

Abstract

Abstract: This study provided preliminary evidence for a new Social Media Identity Distress Scale (SMIDS) using two subsamples of emerging adults (18-25 years of age) from Amazon Turk (each n = 373). The factor analysis revealed a single-factor scale explaining 72.9% of the variance in the items and supported a 20-item version of the original 66-item instrument. The evidence of convergent validity and reliability supported using the SMIDS as a potential instrument to evaluate the mental stress regarding the ability to create a coherent self-concept while engaging in social media activities experienced by emerging adults. Implications for practice and future directions of research are provided.