Problematic social media use, self-compassion, and social self-efficacy among Chinese college students

International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2025 Volume 13 Issue 3

Available Online: 20 May 2025

Author/s:

Fu, Ruijuan*
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines

Lopez, Elna
Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines

Abstract:

In the digital era, social media has become an indispensable part of college students’ daily lives. However, Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) may negatively impact their mental health, academic performance, and social adaptation. This study surveyed 606 undergraduate students from a comprehensive university in China to explore the effects of PSMU on Self-Compassion (SC) and Social Self-Efficacy (SSE). The results showed that: (1) PSMU, SC, and SSE were all at moderate levels among college students. Female students, humanities majors, rural students, and non-only children exhibited significantly higher PSMU, while freshmen had lower PSMU levels. Students from non-single-parent families and male students scored higher in SC, while student leaders had significantly higher SSE than non-leaders**. Other demographic characteristics showed no significant differences across the three variables. (2) PSMU was significantly negatively correlated with both SC and SSE (r=-0.310, r=-0.194), while SC was positively correlated with SSE (r=0.451). The cognitive failure dimension of PSMU negatively predicted SSE, whereas self-kindness, common humanity, and isolation dimensions of SC positively predicted SSE. Based on these findings, this study proposes a comprehensive intervention program integrating Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Mindfulness Training, and Social Skills Development to reduce PSMU, enhance SC, and improve SSE among Chinese college students. The findings provide theoretical and empirical support for optimizing mental health intervention strategies for college students.

Keywords: problematic social media use, self-compassion, social self-efficacy, mental health intervention, college students

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2025.25052

Cite this article:
Fu, R., & Lopez, E. (2025). Problematic social media use, self-compassion, and social self-efficacy among Chinese college students. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 13(3), 237-263. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2025.25052

* Corresponding Author