Research on Mechanisms for Promoting Mental Well-Being among College Students in a Digitally Dependent Context: An Analysis based on Conceptual Models

Ting Jing

doi:10.54691/e1jjd755

Authors

Ting Jing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/e1jjd755

Keywords:

Smartphone Addiction; Social Anxiety; Mental Well-Being; Theoretical Model.

Abstract

The widespread use of smartphones among university students has raised increasing concerns regarding problematic smartphone use and its negative impact on mental well-being. Grounded in the stress-vulnerability model and social cognitive theory, this study constructs a theoretical model to investigate the mechanisms linking smartphone addiction (SPA) and university students’ mental well-being (MWB), with social anxiety (SA) as a mediating variable. The study proposes that SPA exerts a negative influence on MWB, both directly and indirectly, through the mediating role of SA. Theoretical implications emphasize the necessity of integrating digital behavior governance with psychological support systems in higher education, while practical contributions highlight the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate smartphone addiction and enhance student well-being. Future research directions are discussed, including the exploration of moderating variables and cross-cultural validation.

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