PREDICTORS OF ANXIETY AMONG MALAYSIAN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOOMSCROLLING HABIT: ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLE

Abstract

Doomscrolling is motivated by individuals’ need to seek out information to prepare themselves for future potential risks. Doomscrolling could affect individuals’ psychological well-being by heightening the anxiety symptoms. Literature suggested that individuals’ attributional style might moderate the relationship between doomscrolling and anxiety. This study aims to examine the predictability of doomscrolling and the moderation effect of attributional style on anxiety. 105 participants were recruited for the actual study with the 92 final usable responses. Participants filled in the cross-sectional online survey which consisted of demographic questionnaire, Doomscrolling Scale, Attributional Styles Questionnaire, and Anxiety subscales of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. The regression analysis showed doomscrolling was a significant predictor of anxiety but not moderated by attributional styles. Regardless of how individuals attribute the cause of a negative event, doomscrolling tends to increase their anxiety level.  Strategies to alleviate the effect of doomscrolling on individuals’ psychological well-being were discussed.