Journal of Society Counseling
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Society Counseling

Family Relational Factors and Problematic Social Media Use Among Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review and Implications for Family Counseling

Widya Ayu Marliana (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)
Cristin Mutiara Damanik (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)
Muhamad Faqih Irsyad (Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
Flinders University, Australia)

Waliyadin Waliyadin (University of Canberra, Australia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Oct 2026

Abstract

Background: Family factors associated with problematic social media use (PSMU) need to be distinguished from evidence regarding counseling effectiveness. Objective: To map relational factors, the roles of psychological variables, and counseling implications. Methods: A focused systematic search of Scopus and ERIC was conducted on September 18, 2026, following PRISMA 2020 reporting. Of 74 records, 17 full texts were sought after title/abstract screening, 15 available reports were assessed, and 13 studies were synthesized. The initial JBI critical appraisal was not independently duplicated. Results: The corpus comprised 10 cross-sectional studies, one mixed-methods study with a single-time-point survey, and two longitudinal studies. Psychological control and parental rejection were each associated with higher PSMU in one cross-sectional study. Parental support was associated with lower subsequent PSMU in one longitudinal study. Positive parenting and proactive rules were associated with lower odds of PSMU in one cross-sectional study; parental digital-distraction reduction was examined in one mixed-methods study with unclear statistical reporting. Active mediation was examined in relation to appearance consciousness, not PSMU reduction. General attachment and family outcomes were distinguished from parent-specific relationships. No included study tested family counseling. Conclusion: Findings represent associations and potential counseling targets proposed by the authors. The two-database search, two unavailable reports, and initial quality appraisal limit confidence in the conclusions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

josc

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Other

Description

The JOSC aims to provide a platform for examining and discussing issues in Society Counseling. It invites submissions from diverse perspectives and approaches, including those from developing countries. The journal aims to promote ongoing dialogue and discourse on important topics and provide ...