Appearance Related Social Media Consciousness and Emotional Regulation: A Pathway to Psychological Distress among Young Adults of Tripura

Abstract

Increased use of social media platforms has contributed to subjective evaluation of one’s own appearance, which often results in negative psychological outcomes. This study investigates the mediating role of emotional regulation in the relationship between appearance-related social media consciousness (ASMC) and psychological distress among young adults of Tripura. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample of 103 participants (Male = 42, Female =61) age ranging from 18–25 years, recruited through convenience sampling. Standardized tools were administered to measure ASMC, emotional regulation, and psychological distress. Independent t test finding showed gender differences across all the variables. Correlational analyses revealed that higher ASMC was significantly associated with increased psychological distress (r= 0.529, p<0.001) and inversely associated with emotional regulation (r=-0.245, p<0.005). Regression-based mediation analysis was conducted to assess whether emotional regulation acts as a mediator. The results indicated a significant direct effect of ASMC on psychological distress (β =0.529, p<.001), while the indirect effect via emotional regulation was not statistically significant (t=1.809, p>0.05). Thus, the findings suggest that emotional regulation does not act as a mediator in between ASRMC and psychological distress.