IMPACT OF DIGITAL STRESS ON EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG INTIMATE COUPLES

The present study examined the relationship between digital stress, emotional dependency and mental health among individuals involved in intimate relationships. A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 100 individuals aged between 20 and 28 years who were in intimate relationships, selected using a non-probability sampling method. Data were collected through an online survey using standardized self-report measures assessing digital stress, emotional dependency and positive mental health. Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 23). The results indicated a significant positive correlation between digital stress and emotional dependency and a significant negative correlation between digital stress and mental health. Regression analysis further revealed that digital stress significantly predicted emotional dependency and negatively predicted mental health among intimate couples. The findings suggest that increased digital stress may intensify emotional reliance within relationships while simultaneously undermining psychological well-being. The study highlights the importance of promoting digital well-being and balanced technology use to enhance mental health and relationship functioning among intimate couples.