Journal of health research in community

Introduction and Objective: Social media dependency is considered a behavioral addiction that is accompanied by a range of negative psychological consequences, for adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to identify the predicting and influencing factors of this dependency.
Aim: This study aimed to predict social media dependency based on schema modes in light of internal anxiety in adolescents. 
Method: This research is a cross-sectional study of a descriptive correlational type. 384 adolescents were selected through convenience sampling, based on inclusion criteria from 26 selected schools in Isfahan. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Young Internet Addiction, the Young Schema, and the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory. Utilizing AMOS 23 and SPSS 21.
Result: Structural equation modeling showed that social media dependency can be predicted based on schema modes with regard to internal anxiety (P=0.001). Schematic modes and internal anxiety were positive and significant predictors of this dependence, and there was a positive and significant relationship between these two variables (P=0.001). Vulnerable child modes had the greatest impact, and indifferent coping had the least impact.
Conclusion: Schematic modes, with the mediation of internal anxiety, predict adolescents' dependence on social media, and it is necessary to identify the vulnerable child modes in dependent adolescents and provide with them health intervention.