The present study aims to
test a model designed to assess the unique contribution of personality traits, motives for using Facebook and
metacognitions on Problematic Facebook Use (PFU) among young adults. A total of 815 Italian university students
participated in the study. Path analysis revealed that three of the four motives to use Facebook, and that
two of the five metacognitions, predicted PFU. Moreover, only one personality trait (extraversion) appeared to
be directly linked to PFU, while emotional stability indirectly influenced PFU via motives (coping and conformity)
and metacognitions (negative beliefs about worry and cognitive confidence)