The longitudinal relationships of problematic social media use, self-transcendence values and school adaptation: a two-wave study

BMC Psychol. 2025 Jan 24;13(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02356-1.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the temporal dynamics of the relationships between problematic social media use(PSMU), self-transcendence values, and school adaptation among college students.Methods This study employed longitudinal cross-lagged analysis and structural equation modeling to investigate whether there is a mutual influence among PSMU, self-transcendence values, and school adaptation. Additionally, the study explored whether these variables serve as intermediaries in the associations between the other two variables.Results Two thousand six hundred sixty-eight students were longitudinally followed up for two-wave.The results indicated PSMU predicted self-transcendence values and school adaptation 6 months later; self-transcendence values predicted PSMU and school adaptation 6 months later; and school adaptation predicted self-transcendence values and PSMU 6 months later. Moreover, each of them plays a mediating role in the association between the other two variables.Conclusions These results support and expand the Self-worth Theory and Self-determination Theory that there is a bidirectional relationship between PSMU, self-transcendence values, and school adaptation. This result has implications for helping college students adapt to college life and reduce PSMU.

Keywords: Longitudinal study; PSMU; School Adaptation; Self-transcendence Values.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet Addiction Disorder / psychology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Schools*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Media* / statistics & numerical data
  • Students* / psychology
  • Students* / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities
  • Young Adult