Nigerian Journal of Social Psychology

Group Identity and Workplace Cohesion

Lilian Azaka, Shyngle K Balogun, Philip Onyekachi Philip, Leonard Chidozie Orji — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:22:37 +0000

This study examined the relationship between group identity and workplace cohesion within multicultural organisations, focusing on the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating influence of inclusive leadership. Guided by Social Identity Theory, Self-Categorisation Theory, and the Common Ingroup Identity Model, the research adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 142 employees from five culturally diverse organisations in Lagos, Nigeria. Standardised and validated scales were used to measure group identity, psychological safety, inclusive leadership, and workplace cohesion. Results indicated that employees with stronger identification with their organisation reported higher levels of both task and social cohesion. Psychological safety partially mediated this relationship, suggesting that identity fosters cohesion more effectively when employees feel safe to express themselves. Inclusive leadership further amplified the positive association between group identity and cohesion, underscoring the importance of leadership in shaping inclusive and cohesive organisational climates. The findings provide empirical support for the extension of social identity frameworks to multicultural organisational contexts. Findings also demonstrate that cohesion emerges not from the absence of difference but from the effective integration of diverse identities through inclusion and psychological safety.

The Impact of Flexible Work Arrangements on Employee Productivity and Organisational Commitment in the Aviation Industry

Lilian Azaka — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:24:11 +0000

This research examines the impact of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on employee productivity and organizational commitment in the aviation industry. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 participants (17 employees and 3 managers) from aviation organizations, the study identifies key themes influencing the effectiveness of FWAs in this high-stakes environment. Findings reveal that FWAs significantly enhance employee productivity by enabling workers to align tasks with peak performance periods and reduce commute-related stress. The study also demonstrates that flexible arrangements foster stronger organizational commitment through improved work-life balance and reduced burnout. However, several challenges emerged, including infrastructure limitations (particularly unreliable electricity and internet connectivity), communication gaps, and varying experiences based on gender and family responsibilities. The research highlights the importance of comprehensive organizational support systems, including adequate technological infrastructure and targeted assistance for employees with care-giving duties. While FWAs offer considerable benefits, their successful implementation in the aviation industry requires careful consideration of operational demands, infrastructure capabilities, and diverse employee needs. These insights contribute to understanding how flexibility can be effectively integrated into traditionally structured environments while maintaining high performance standards.

IMPACT OF TAXATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA (1981 – 2022)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:25:54 +0000

This study examined the impact of taxation on economic growth in Nigeria between the period 1981 and 2022 using an econometric methodology and a vector error correction estimation technique. The study sought to achieve the following objectives; to estimate the extent to which companies’ income tax revenue impact on economic growth in Nigeria; to determine whether there is significant impact of petroleum profit tax revenue on economic growth in Nigeria; and to determine whether there is significant impact of customs and excise duty revenue on economic growth in Nigeria. The empirical analysis made use of time series data on real gross domestic product, company income tax revenue, Petroleum profit tax revenue and Custom and excise duty revenue all of which are sourced mainly from CBN publications. Vector error correction was used to estimate the parameters of economic relationship existing among the specified model and the result shows that company income tax revenue, Petroleum profit tax revenue and customs and excise duties revenue all exert positive and statistically significant impact on real gross domestic product in Nigeria. Based on the finding above, the study recommended among other things that government should ensure the tax revenue generated are channeled toward building capital stock that can create more jobs which will generate more revenue to government through other forms of tax.

The Influence of Obsessive-Compulsive Traits and Gambling Addiction as Predictors of Risky Gambling Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students

Emmanuel Temitope Bankole, Abimbola Mary Bankole — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:27:21 +0000

This cross-sectional study examined OC traits and obsessive-compulsive gambling tendencies as predictors of gambling behaviours among 3,712 Nigerian undergraduates. Participants completed measures including an adapted Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (for gambling-related obsessions/compulsions), the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), and items on gambling frequency, expenditure, and risky behaviours (e.g., chasing losses).Hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for age, gender, impulsivity, anxiety, and substance use, showed that higher OC traits significantly predicted elevated PGSI scores and greater risky gambling engagement (β = 0.28–0.41, p < 0.001). Compulsive gambling features (e.g., persistent urges, preoccupation) partially mediated this relationship. Stronger obsessive-compulsive gambling patterns were linked to increased time and money spent gambling, beyond impulsivity effects. Findings position OC traits as a vulnerability factor for problematic gambling, supporting early screening in student populations and targeted cognitive-behavioural interventions addressing compulsivity and gambling urges.

Students’ Perception of Unprofessional Conduct of Therapists in the University Community and Its Impact on their Help-Seeking Behaviour in Delta State

James URIEN — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated students’ perceptions of unprofessional conduct among therapists within university communities and its impact on their help-seeking behaviour in Delta State. Although therapists may act within their professional competence, students may still perceive their actions as unprofessional for several reasons. The research addressed two questions and tested two null hypotheses. Employing a correlational, ex-post-facto research design, the study population included all public university students and therapists in Delta State. The sample consisted of 50 therapists or counsellors and 950 students, selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-developed instrument, the Perceived Unprofessional Conducts of Therapists and Impact on Help Seeking Behaviour of Students Questionnaire (PUCTIHSBSQ), which was validated and demonstrated reliability through a pilot study using the test-retest method, yielding a coefficient index of 0.85 or higher. Descriptive statistics, including simple percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation, addressed the research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Statistics tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed students have certain expectations of therapists and have formed perceptions of unprofessional conduct by therapists, such as demeanor, attitude, reporting progress report to management, breaches of confidentiality, inappropriate boundaries, and observed or experienced unprofessional behaviour, significantly impacts students’ willingness to seek help. These perceptions contribute to stigma, reduced trust, and discourage help-seeking. In conclusion, students’ perceptions of unprofessional conduct among therapists can substantially deter students from seeking assistance, thereby compromising their mental health and well-being. Prioritising professionalism, confidentiality, and trust is essential for therapists to create a supportive environment that encourages help-seeking. The professionalism of therapists is therefore critical in shaping students’ help-seeking behaviour, and universities should prioritise this to promote student mental well-being.

Intimate Partner Violence and Parents' Dysfunctional Discipline Styles

Aderonke A Akintola, Oludamisi O Hasheem — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research examined the factors of intimate partner violence as a predictor of dysfunctional parental discipline among working women in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria and also tested the moderating effect of emotional regulation. The cross-sectional correlational survey design was chosen, and the data were collected among the 235 working women chosen using multistage sampling in four Local Community Development Areas. The IPV, emotional regulation and dysfunctional styles of discipline were assessed using standardized measures. The descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, moderation analysis (PROCESS Model 1), one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. Intimate partner violence (IPV) did not substantially predict overall dysfunctional discipline approaches, according to regression models (F(3,231) = 2.48, p >.05, R² =.03). However, IPV was a significant predictor of three dimensions: hostility (F(3,231) = 3.59, p <.01, R² =.05), laxness (F(3,231) = 5.71, p <.01, R² =.07), and overreactivity (F(3,231) = 6.12, p <.01, R² =.07). Dysfunctional discipline was strongly predicted by emotional regulation (F(2,232) = 4.53, p <.05, R2 =.04), especially in terms of lowering animosity and laxness. A significant IPV × emotional regulation interaction (β = −.21, t = −2.80, p =.01) was found via moderation analysis, suggesting that emotional control mitigated the detrimental effects of IPV on parenting. There were no significant effects of demographic characteristics (p >.05). The intervention to achieve better parenting outcomes should focus on emotional control and trauma-informed care of women who are exposed to IPV in the urban Nigerian community.

The Nigerian Electorates in Electioneering

Augustine I Umeatuegbu — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:53:28 +0000

This article explores the complex psychological dynamics of voter behavior in Nigeria through the lens of Stockholm syndrome, a term describing the phenomenon where hostages develop an emotional bond with their captors. Drawing parallels between this psychological response and the loyalty exhibited by Nigerian electorates towards politicians, the paper highlights how systemic manipulation, violence, and unfulfilled political promises have fostered a troubling attachment. By examining the interplay of Stockholm syndrome and some psychological concepts such as adaptive survival strategies, identification with the aggressor, cognitive dissonance, trauma bonding, and learned helplessness, this study elucidates the coping mechanisms employed by voters in oppressive political landscapes. Blending these with Psychological power/Agentic theory, the analysis demonstrates how voters, experiencing trauma, relinquish personal agency and adopt the goals of the corrupt authority, internalizing the oppressor's perspective to navigate a threatening reality. The purpose of this study is to explore the psychological dynamics that underpin voter loyalty in Nigeria, particularly in the context of systemic coercion and exploitation by political leaders. By applying the framework of Stockholm Syndrome, the research examines how emotional bonds between the electorate and their political captors develop amidst an environment characterized by manipulation, violence, and broken promises. Importantly, this study does not involve any participants or the use of traditional research instruments, as it primarily relies on theoretical analysis and secondary data sources to assess the psychological behaviors of voters. The design of the work is qualitative, focusing on conceptual frameworks to illuminate voter psychology and the factors that contribute to their loyalty. It argues that, amid poverty and insecurity, constituents often resort to appeasement behaviors, motivated by the perceived need to secure immediate relief or minimize harm. Through vivid illustrations of voter experiences, such as the impact of tokenistic generosity during election cycles, the discussion prompts critical reflection on the implications of such psychological constructs for democratic engagement in Nigeria. This article recommends that future research adopt mixed methods approaches that incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methods, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics of the psychological concepts at play in the Nigerian electoral landscape.

Hustle Kingdom, Hook-up Culture and the Psychology of Generation-Z in Asaba, Delta State

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:53:53 +0000

The study investigates the role of psychology in understanding the emerging youth ethic among Generation Z in Delta State, Nigeria with a particular focus on two cultural patterns: Hustle Kingdom (HK) and Hookup culture (HUC). These behaviours marked an urgent drive for rapid financial independence and emotionally detached relationships are reshaping the psychological development, identity formation and career outlook of Nigerian youth. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a stratified sample of 900 participants, aged 15 to 26 years (M=21.3, SD-3.6), drawn from public senior secondary schools and universities. Findings revealed a high level of involvement in Hustle Kingdom (M=3.12, SD=0.79). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between HK and career motivation (r=0.42, p<0.01), while HUC was negatively correlated with psychological well-being (r= -0.38, p<0.01). Independent t-tests showed that undergraduates displaced significantly stronger, work values than secondary schools students (t=9.84, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that HK and HUC jointly predicted psychological well-being (R²=0.32, f(2, 897) =44.57, p<0.001), with HK contributing positively (β=0.26, p<0.001) and HUC contributing negatively (β = -0.35, p<0.001). These findings suggest that while Hustle kingdom may enhance motivation and resilience unchecked involvement in Hookup culture may undermine emotional stability. The study concludes that a holistic psychological perspective – drawing from developmental, social, clinical and industrial/ organizational psychology is necessary for designing interventions that promote balanced youth development and sustainable career planning.

Community Approaches for Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Agriculture in Nigeria

Jonathan Akwagiobe Ukah, Adeola Sidikat Oyeleke, Ifeoma Enyinnaya Igwe — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:54:18 +0000

Gender Based violence in Agriculture is a common practice in most communities in Nigeria with unabated widening gap. To this effect, several women at community level suffered from wide range of economic deprivation which affects their income and financial self-sufficiency. To narrow this inequality, community approaches to prevent gender-based violence in agriculture has been examined. This study therefore, addressed the following questions: What is the nexus between gender-based violence and agriculture? What are the community approaches that can be deployed to prevent gender-based violence in agriculture? Why is it necessary to address gender-based violence in agriculture?. The study adopts an exploratory research design where literature is critically analyzed. Liberal feminist perspective will be used to underpin the study. Preliminary findings show that the partrachial nature of the communities is responsible for men economic dominance Further investigation reveals that communities members need to adopt strategy of inclusive decision making process that will enable women participate in both family and community decisions that affects them. Strategy of inclusion of women when allocating family and community resources could narrow income disparity, educational and awareness campaigns against obnoxious cultural practices should be adopted. Establishment of legal framework and enforcement is also identified as one of the ways to fight gender-based violence. Inequality is an issue surrounded by the culture of silence inherent in most societies in Africa generally and Nigeria specifically. It has been concluded that the findings from this study will help to provide gender equality towards equitable distribution of economic opportunities.

Predicting Academic Engagement

Femi Elijah Babalola, Shyngle Kolawole Balogun — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:55:13 +0000

Academic engagement is a crucial determinant of students’ academic performance and psychological adjustment in higher education. However, the influence of academic stress and coping style on engagement remains underexplored in Nigerian universities. This study examined the predictive roles of academic stress (study despondency, worry about grades, workload, self-expectation, and pressure from study) and coping styles (active problem, active emotional, passive problem, and passive emotional coping) on academic engagement among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 341 undergraduates participated, comprising 170 males (49.9%) and 171 females (50.1%). Data were collected using validated Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents (ESSA), Stress Coping Style Inventory (SCSI), and Academic Engagement Scale (AES). Multiple regression analyses were performed with the significance level set at 0.05. Results indicated that academic stress jointly predicted 3% of the variance in engagement (R = .19, R² = .03, F(5, 334) = 2.37, p < .05), with worry about grades emerging as the only significant independent predictor (β = .14, t = 2.15, p < .05). Coping styles jointly predicted 18% of the variance in academic engagement (R = .43, R² = .18, F(4, 336) = 18.94, p < .05), with active problem coping independently and positively predicting engagement (β = .36, t = 5.43, p < .05). Findings suggest that while certain dimensions of academic stress negatively affect engagement, students’ use of adaptive coping strategies significantly enhances their involvement, dedication, and absorption in academic tasks. Interventions that reduce academic worry and promote effective coping strategies are recommended to support student engagement and overall academic success.

PERCEIVED QUALITY AND BELIEF SYSTEM AS PREDICTORS OF COMPULSIVE BUYING BEHAVIOUR AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:55:35 +0000

This study aimed to investigate perceived quality and belief system as predictors of compulsive buying behaviour among undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 168 undergraduate students participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 38 years with a mean age of 23.7 years and a standard deviation of 2.14. Participants were selected using cluster and stratified sampling techniques, which are non-probabilistic sampling methods. The instruments administered included the Perceived Quality Index, Compulsive Buying Scale, and Personal Belief System Scale. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the data collected were analyzed using multiple regression statistics. The results revealed that perceived quality positively and significantly predicted compulsive buying behaviour among undergraduate students (R² = 0.607, β = 0.779, p < 0.05). Additionally, belief system significantly predicted compulsive buying behaviour (R² = 0.826, β = 0.469, p < 0.05). Furthermore, perceived quality and belief system jointly and significantly predicted compulsive buying behaviour (β = 0.750, p < 0.05). These findings provide insights into the psychological and consumer behaviour patterns influencing undergraduates' purchasing tendencies. Therefore, it is recommended that government agencies, educational institutions, and consumer protection bodies take proactive measures to mitigate compulsive buying tendencies. These include enhancing financial literacy education, regulating advertisements targeted at students, restricting promotional offers that encourage compulsive buying, implementing stronger consumer protection laws, and providing counseling services for students struggling with compulsive buying behaviour.

Predictive Roles of Workplace Relationship and Organizational Culture on Organizational Commitment among College of Education Staff in Anambra State

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:55:52 +0000

The study determined predictive roles of workplace relationship and organizational culture on organizational commitment among college of Education Staff of Nsugbe, Anambra State. The target population consisted of academic and non-academic staff. A total number of 227 staff served as participants for the study. The participants were selected through non-probability sample (incident sampling techniques). The gender data showed that 132(58.1%) were females and 95(41.9%) were males. The participants’ age ranged from 21 to 56 with mean age of 34.86 and standard deviation of 11.99. Three instruments were adopted for the study: Organizational Commitment Scale (OCS), Workplace Relationship Scale and Denison Organizational Culture Scale. The study used correlational design for the study and Multiple Linear Regression Statistics as appropriate statistics. The study revealed that workplace relationship (interpersonal regard, mutual acceptance, mutual trust and workplace harmony) and organisational culture (involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission) accounted for 80.2% of the organisational commitment, with R2 = .802, adjusted R2=.795, (F8, 218) = 110.56, p<.05 shows that the overall model has significant contribution to organisational commitment at 80.2%. Interpersonal regard of workplace relationship at (F8, 218) β= -.29, t = -3.75, and mutual trust of workplace relationship at (F8, 218) β= -.72, t = -14.20, had negative predictive effect on organizational commitment at p<.05, while mutual acceptance of workplace relationship at (F8, 218) β= 10.44, t = 1.04 and workplace harmony of workplace relationship a t(F8, 218) β= 7.71, t = 1.73 had positive prediction on organizational commitment at p<.05. Involvement of organizational culture at (F8, 218) β= -.61, t = -10.65, consistency of organizational culture at (F8, 218) β= -.89, t = -4.25, and adaptability of organizational culture at (F8, 218) β= -.30, t = -3.24 had negative predictive effect on organizational commitment at p<.05, whereas mission of organizational culture at (F8, 218) β= .46, t = 9.82 had positive prediction on organizational commitment at p<.05. The findings suggested that management should inculcate the culture of encouraging employee participation in decision-making processes and provide opportunities for growth and development.

Leadership Antecedents in Employee Empowerment among Nigerian Public Organizations

Ngozi Ugochi Okechukwu, Ugochukwu Ugwumba Ikeije — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:56:12 +0000

This qualitative single-case study explored how leadership antecedents influence employee empowerment in Nigerian public organisations. The study focused on the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria. Kanter's Theory of Structural Empowerment and Bass's Full-Range Leadership Theory served as the conceptual frameworks. The study analysed how leadership antecedents affect organisational challenges and empowerment. Data were collected from 30 NOA employees across Nigeria's six geo-political zones. Collection methods included semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and document review: triangulation of interview, document, and observation data. Key findings reveal that employees perceive empowerment primarily as being equipped with the tools, resources, and support needed to execute organisational mandates, particularly in project planning and implementation. This is especially true in project execution. Recent studies also suggest that ethical leadership, digital tool adoption, and generative leadership mediate empowerment (Hassan & Aliyu, 2024). Seven critical leadership themes for empowerment emerged: entrenching an agency mindset, addressing challenges, fostering cross-team collaboration, establishing two-way feedback, responding to staff feelings, applying tailored leadership strategies, and implementing training on Innovation and digital fluency. The study recommends that Nigerian public organisation leaders intentionally adopt these antecedents. Doing so can boost empowerment, organisational commitment, and service outcomes. The study has implications for policymakers and leaders in post-pandemic contexts and during digital transformation.

DESCRIPTION OF NUDITY AS ISU-EBONYI FOLK KINESICS ART

Ogbonnaya J Okereke — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:56:28 +0000

Art creates symbols shared by the folk generator. It adds beauty and pleasure to everyday life. Various art forms are cultural outputs of inconceivable possibilities of a people’s imagination. Perhaps, pristine art form involves using human body as a board for artistic expressions by painting, tattooing scarification, piercing ornamentation, reshaping and kinesics. This study used participant observation and focus-group methods to inquire into the symbolism of bodily nude kinesics art. The theoretical berth is symbolic interactionism. The ethnographic data were collected by focus-group discussion from Isu-Ebonyi folk community in Ebony South of South-Eastern Nigeria. Conclusions obtained however, do apply to other Igbo communities. Kinesics messages of nude bodily motions are not invitation to sexual activity or eroticism among the studied folks but delectable naturalism of beauty and not-to-be hidden purity, strength and valor. Beauty and purity are height of feminine wealth; strength and valor are essence of masculinity among the Isu-folks. Women’s suppleness and “wooden” body frame of men are art symbols with subliminal message of beauty, purity, strength and valor. Any elicitation of sexual appeal by nude body is strange and a corrupt transmorfiguration of the folk naturalism brought by recent social urbanization. The study recommends cultural reorientation to the people’s cultural values.

URBAN POOR CULTURE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Ogbonnaya J Okereke — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:56:43 +0000

The pervasive poverty among many Nigerian societies is a serious concern. This prompted the study of the everyday life of the indigenous population of Amike-Aba in Abakaliki urban, Eastern Nigeria. It sought for values and behaviour that have perpetuated poverty among the people. The community approach to urban studies was adopted with continuous monitoring technique from 2023-2025. Oscar Lewis’ culture of poverty is the study’s theoretical berth. The mixed method technique was used to select the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants’ characteristics It was found that an average native appeared apathetic, alienated, and over-whelmed by the pace of social change, got disoriented with dim and distorted traditions and marginal urban structures as poor spring-board for action. It is recommended that poverty alleviations should be customized by strategic intervention to deteach the people and reorient them to urban opportunities and high achievement needs that would crush apathy and poverty the unique contribution of the study is the insight that poverty alleviation program should be culture specific. An intervention that works for a society may not work for another society due to differences in cultural norms.

Personality Traits, Self Esteem and Perceived Controllability as Predictors of Psychological Health among Gamblers in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

Sikirulai Alausa Sulaiman, Jackson Iheukwumere Osuh, David Dada Olugbenga — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:56:59 +0000

Sports betting and other forms of gambling have increased rapidly across many African cities, including those in Nigeria, largely driven by the growth of commercial betting outlets and mobile betting platforms. Although research from high-income countries links gambling with adverse psychological outcomes, empirical evidence on the psychological determinants of gamblers’ well-being in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. Understanding how personality characteristics and perceived control relate to psychological health among gamblers in African settings is therefore important for informing prevention and intervention strategies. A cross-sectional survey design was employed among 300 active gamblers recruited through purposive sampling from major sports betting centres in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Participants completed standardized measures assessing Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, perceived controllability, and psychological health. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and independent-samples t tests. Perceived controllability showed a significant positive association with psychological health (r = .12, p < .05). The Big Five personality traits did not demonstrate a significant joint effect on psychological health, F(5, 293) = 2.11, p > .05. However, extraversion (β = −.15, t = −1.69, p < .05) and neuroticism (β = .13, t = 1.93, p < .05) independently predicted psychological health. No significant difference emerged between gamblers with high perceived controllability (M = 55.96) and those with low perceived controllability (M = 54.71), t(297) = 0.93, p > .05. Personality factors and perceived controllability appear to have modest but meaningful associations with gamblers’ psychological health. Interventions targeting gamblers in Nigeria may benefit from incorporating personality-informed counselling and cognitive-behavioural approaches aimed at strengthening perceived control.

Differences in Perceived Depression across Levels of Social Media Usage

Aduragbemi Dada Olusina — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:57:16 +0000

This study investigates the relationship between social media usage and depressive symptoms. The study comprised 222 participants and depressive symptoms were measured by the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire–9). No significant association was found between daily social media use and depressive symptom severity (F(4, 202) = 0.427, p = .789), despite a slight nonsignificant upward trend in depression scores among heavier users. However, age proved a significant predictor. Young adults aged 16-20 reported markedly higher depression scores (M = 10.38, SD = 6.41) compared to those aged 21-25 (M = 6.92, SD = 4.90), with the difference being statistically significant (p = .002). Recommendations include digital literacy, emotional regulation, and mindful social media use.