Abstract
This study identified the relationship between inferiority complex and problematic social networking service (SNS) use, and examined the mediating effects of self-presentational motives and recognition of differences in self-worth between reality and SNS (RDSRS) on this relationship. The participants included 293 men and women aged 19 years or above who used SNS. The Inferiority Complex Scale, Self-Presentational Motivation Scale, a questionnaire measuring RDSRS, and the SNS Addiction Proneness Scale were used. To analyze the double-parallel mediating effect, PROCESS Macro 3.5 Model 4 was used. The results revealed that inferiority complex was positively correlated with self-presentational motives, RDSRS, and problematic SNS use. Self-presentational motives were positively correlated with RDSRS and problematic SNS use, while RDSRS was positively correlated with problematic SNS use. Additionally, self-presentational motives and RDSRS mediated inferiority complex and problematic SNS use. These findings suggest that self-presentational motives and RDSRS should be considered when mental health professionals treat problematic SNS use in individuals with high inferiority complex.
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Data Availability
The datasets analyzed in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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K. Kim and K. Suh designed the study; K. Kim collected data; K. Suh conducted analyses; K. Kim and K. Suh drafted the original manuscript, K. Suh reviewed and edited; Both authors agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Review Board (protocol code: 2-7001793-AB-N-012019054 h).
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Kim, KH., Suh, K.H. Mediating effects of self-presentational motives and recognition of differences in self-worth between reality and SNS on inferiority complex and SNS addiction of Korean adults. Curr Psychol 43, 8614–8623 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05041-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05041-x