A Digital escapism and stress: exploring the connection

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26577/JPsS202594301
        7 16

Abstract

In the digital age, media escapism has become an integral part of everyday life, often serving as a
means of coping with stress. This study aims to investigate the relationship between stress levels and
digital escapism, examining how individuals use digital media to regulate emotional states.
The research highlights the psychological and practical significance of understanding digital escapism
as a coping mechanism. By identifying the extent to which stress influences media consumption
patterns, this study contributes to the broader discussion on mental health and digital behavior. The
methodology includes a quantitative approach, utilizing validated psychological scales to assess stress
levels and media escapism tendencies among participants. Statistical analysis was applied to determine
correlations between these variables.
The findings suggest a significant relationship between stress and media escapism, indicating that
higher stress levels may lead to increased engagement in digital content as a form of psychological relief.
These results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on digital psychology, offering insights into
the potential risks and benefits of media escapism in stress management.
The practical implications of this study lie in its relevance for psychologists, educators, and policymakers
seeking to develop strategies for healthier digital consumption habits. Understanding the role
of digital escapism in stress regulation can inform interventions aimed at promoting psychological wellbeing
in the digital era.
Keywords: digital escapism, stress, media consumption, psychological well-being.

Author Biographies

М. Kassymova, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

(corresponding author) – Doctoral student in the Department of General and Applied Psychology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, e-mail: kasymova3010@gmail.com

S. Berdibayeva, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Doctor of Psychological Science, Professor,  Department of General and Applied Psychology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, e-mail:  berdibayeva.sveta1@mail.ru

 

А. Kukubayeva, Kokshetau University named after A. Myrzakhmetov, Kokchetau, Kazakhstan

Doctor of Psychological Science, Professor, A. Myrzakhmetov Kokchetau university, Kokchetau, Kazakhstan,  e-mail:  kukubaeva_2011@mail.ru

A. Garber, Eureqio University, Leipcig, Germany

Honored Professor in Psychology at the Stichting Euregio University, Netherland Rehabilitation Clinic “Reinhardshöhe“, Bad Wildungen, Hessen, Germany, е-mail: alena.garber@gmx.de

S. Berdibayev, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan

Senior Lecturer, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan, e-mail: catok-s67@mail.ru 

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How to Cite

Kassymova М., Berdibayeva, S. ., Kukubayeva А. ., Garber, A., & Berdibayev, S. . (2025). A Digital escapism and stress: exploring the connection. The Journal of Psychology and Sociology, 94(3), 4–13. https://doi.org/10.26577/JPsS202594301