The relationship between media literacy and psychological well-being in adolescent girls in Semirom city

Abstract

CONTEXT: In recent years, the media have had very massive effects on individuals, especially children and adolescents. Hence, they should be able to use media rationally also be able to create digital, multimedia texts, and attain media literacy. Media literacy is a skill based on understanding and gives the audience the opportunity to use the media appropriately and critically. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between media literacy and mental psychology of high school students in Semirom city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This correlational study was conducted with the participation of 139 adolescent girls selected using multi-stage random sampling, in Semirom city, Isfahan province, the Central of Iran, in 2017. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were measured using researcher-made media literacy questionnaire, psychological well-being Scales of Ryff. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics (Pearson correlations) were used. The statistical significant level was set as 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between family economic situation, parental education, and media literacy score. Media literacy was significantly correlated with total psychological well-being (r = 0.165, P < 0.05), personal growth subscale (r = 0.216, P < 0.05), and self-acceptance subscale (r = 0.218, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the importance of psychological well-being in adolescents' life, the design of educational interventions to increase media literacy is recommended.