Validation and psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/eejpl.2026.13.1.zhyKeywords:
social media, addiction, problematic use, psychometric assessment, validation, psychological distress, emotional dysregulationAbstract
Over the past decade, social media have become one of the most prevalent online activities and an integral part of everyday life, leading to a growing scientific interest in their use and impact on mental health. In this context, the translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the assessment instrument on a nationally representative sample of Ukrainian users are particularly important for the reliable evaluation of problematic social media use. The aim of the study was to adapt the Ukrainian version of the six-item Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), to assess its psychometric properties and to substantiate its applicability for further scientific research in Ukraine. The Ukrainian version of the BSMAS was developed using the forward–backward translation method of the original English version. A total of 566 Ukrainian participants (64 men and 502 women, aged 14–74 years) have completed the BSMAS via online Google Form survey, along with additional instruments measuring internet addiction, difficulties in emotion regulation, stress, anxiety and depression. Data analysis was conducted using StatSoft Statistica 12 and Jamovi software. The findings of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the BSMAS. Evaluation of the key fit indices CFI = .980, TLI = .962, RMSEA = .026, SRMR = .026) indicated an acceptable model fit. Reliability estimates (Cronbach’s α = .77; McDonald’s ω = .77; split-half = .82) demonstrated good internal consistency of the scale. Significant correlations were found between the total BSMAS score and CIUS scores, the total score and subscales of the DERS, as well as depression, anxiety and stress indicators measured by the DASS-21, providing evidence of construct validity. The obtained results provide initial evidence supporting the use of the Ukrainian version of the BSMAS as a reliable and valid psychodiagnostic instrument for the accurate assessment of problematic social media use as a component of mental health among Ukrainian-speaking populations in Ukraine and abroad.
CRediT Statement
Liliia Zhyvotovska: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data Curation, Writing – Review & Editing, Supervision, Project Administration; Svitlana Lukova: Methodology, Software, Validation, Investigation, Data Curation, Writing – Original Draft, Visualization.
Disclosure Statement
The authors reported no potential conflicts of interest.
Generative AI Statement
During the preparation of this work the authors did not use any GenAI tools.
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Appendix A
Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (Ukrainian Version)
Бергенська шкала залежності від соціальних мереж (Українська версія)
Будь ласка, уважно прочитайте кожне з наведених тверджень та вкажіть наскільки протягом останнього року це вірно для вас, використовуючи шкалу оцінки, де:
1– дуже рідко,
2 – рідко,
3 – іноді,
4 – часто,
5 – дуже часто.
1. Ви витрачаєте багато часу на роздуми про соціальні мережі або планування того, як ними користуватися
2. Ви відчуваєте бажання все частіше використовувати соціальні мережі
3. Ви використовуєте соціальні мережі, щоб забути про особисті проблеми
4. Ви безуспішно намагалися скоротити використання соціальних мереж
5. Ви стаєте неспокійними або стурбованими, якщо вам забороняють користуватися соціальними мережами
6. Ви так часто використовуєте соціальні мережі, що це негативно вплинуло на вашу роботу/навчання
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