Mediating effects of self-concept clarity on the relationship between passive social network sites use and subjective well-being

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between passive social network sites use and subjective well-being (i.e., cognitive and affective evaluations of lives), as well as the mediating role of self-concept clarity underlying this relationship. A convenience sample of Chinese speaking adults volunteered to take part in this study (the valid sample size was 328). Participants completed an online survey that comprised the Passive Social Network Sites Use Questionnaire, the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Frequency of Experienced Emotions Scale. Structural equation modeling with latent variables revealed that the passive social network sites use was negatively associated with subjective well-being, which was fully mediated by self-concept clarity. Limitations and practical implications of the study are discussed.