The longitudinal impact of life events on short-video addiction: The roles of maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies and social support

Jinliang Guan¹, Yuanyuan Xie¹, Mengying Huang¹, Liyang Sixu¹, Mengran Gao¹, Wangyan Ma^2,*
1 School of Teacher Education, Chaohu University, Hefei, China
2 Faculty of Language and Literature, Anhui Sanlian University, Hefei, China
* Corresponding Author: Wangyan Ma. Email: email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.079806

Received 28 January 2026; Accepted 30 April 2026; Published online 20 May 2026

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Abstract

This study explored the mediating role of maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies in the association between life events and short-video addiction, as well as the moderating role of social support in that relationship. Participants were 501 college students from universities in Anhui Province, China (females = 39.72%, undergraduates = 100%, mean age = 18.89, SD = 0.98). They completed the Maladaptive Cognitive-Emotional Regulation Strategies Scale, College Students’ Life Events Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, and Short-Video Addiction Scale. Results following Structure Equation Modelling (SEM) analyses indicated that stressful life events were associated with short-video addiction. Maladaptive cognitive-emotional regulation strategies mediated the life events and short-video addiction relationship for significantly higher levels of short-video addiction. Social support moderates the life events and short-video addiction relationship for lower levels of short-video addiction. These findings add to the cognitive-behavioral theory, which proposes that cognitive-emotional regulation strategies are key to personal adjustment with lower risk for addiction behaviours. For practical implications. Student counseling and development services should provide life skills-oriented programs for healthy lifestyles.