Koc, HayriGokalp, Zeynep SimsirSeki, Tolga2024-02-232024-02-2320232167-69682167-6984https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968231151776https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12452/14472Previous studies have confirmed that poor self-control, fear of missing out (FoMO), and social media addiction are potential risk factors for young mental health. However, the relationships between self-control, FoMO, social media addiction, and emerging adult distress have received relatively little attention in empirical studies. In this regard, drawing on the self-determination theory (SDT), the current study investigates the serial mediating roles of FoMO and social media addictions between self-control and distress (depression, anxiety, stress). 866 students studying at seven different state universities in Turkey participated in this study (M age = 20.8, SD = 1.42). The findings revealed significant relationships between self-control, FoMO, social media addiction, and distress. The findings also support the proposed serial mediating model. In other words, the lack of self-control predicted greater FoMO, which in turn predicted increased social media addiction, which in turn ultimately predicted higher distress. Overall, these results suggested that the lack of self-control is a risk factor for mental health and that social media addiction and FoMO also increase this risk.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessSelf-ControlFear Of Missing OutSocial Media AddictionAnxietyStressDepressionArticle1136266382-s2.0-85146565637Q2WOS:00091367650000110.1177/21676968231151776