JOURNAL OF Mental Health Concerns
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): August Edition 2026

Social media use intensity and self-esteem as predictors of psychological well-being among university students

Mario Fazri (Universitas Malahayati)
Asri Mutiara Putri (Unknown)
Dary Ies Shabrina (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: University students in emerging adulthood face academic and social demands that may affect their psychological well-being and well-being. High social media use intensity and low self-esteem may be associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Purpose: To examine the simultaneous and individual contributions of social media use intensity and self-esteem to psychological well-being among active undergraduate students. Method: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 379 undergraduate students were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected online using the Psychological well-being–Short Form, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and Social Media Use Intensity Scale and analysed using multiple linear regression in SPSS version 25. Results: The regression model was statistically significant and explained 28.3% of the variance in psychological well-being, R² = .283, F (2, 376), p < .001. Self-esteem was a significant positive predictor of psychological well-being, whereas social media use intensity was a significant negative predictor. Conclusion: Self-esteem and social media use intensity were jointly associated with psychological well-being. Higher self-esteem predicted better mental health, whereas greater social media use intensity predicted poorer mental health. Universities may consider providing psychological counselling services to support students in managing digital stressors and promoting psychological well-being.   Keywords: Psychological well-being; Psychological well-being; Self-Esteem; Social Media Use; University Students.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mhc

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

Jurnal penelitian dibidang kesehatan jiwa meliputi kegiatan promotif, preventif, kuratif dan rehabilitatif pada semua tingkat usia baik secara individu, maupun kelompok rentan. Penelitian kesehatan jiwa susuai tren ...