EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND ONLINE SOCIAL INTERACTION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG GEN ZS

Abstract

This study examined family functioning and online social interaction (social media) as predictors of depression and anxiety among the Gen Z developmental cohort at the University of Lagos. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The study selected (320) participants across the University of Lagos in Lagos State with the use of a convenient sampling method. Four Hypotheses generated were tested using multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that family functioning had an insignificant positive relationship with depression and anxiety (F (7,65) = 0.042, p=0.09) < There was a significant relationship between online social interaction [R2 = .000, F (1, 409) = .073, p> .787) and depression and anxiety. Family functioning and online social interaction significantly predicted depression and anxiety in the Gen Z group (R2 = .069, F (6.633) =.196). The study concluded that there is a complex interplay between family functioning, social media use and the mental well-being of Generation Z (Gen Z). The findings indicate that a high level of family functioning characterized by effective communication and emotional support was not linked to a high level of depression or anxiety among individuals in the GenZ. The study recommended a good family relationship to promote healthy living among adolescents especially those in the GenZ developmental age cohort because of their exposure to social media.