Jinqian Li¹, Jianhong Wu^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.12, pp. 1883-1896, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.071306 - 31 December 2025

Abstract Background: Platform algorithms driving content presentation are profoundly shaping the experience of younger users. While prior research has examined anxiety stemming from young adults’ social media usage, the link between upward social comparison and anxiety remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of upward social comparison in this relationship and determine the moderating role of psychological resilience. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 562 young Chinese adults aged 18–35 (53% female). Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing validated measurement instruments, including scales for social media usage patterns, upward comparator behaviour… More >

Zhenhong Wang^1,2, Hailong Wu^3,*

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.6, pp. 863-869, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.073522 - 30 December 2025

Abstract We examined the direct relationship between childhood emotional abuse and depression in adolescents and the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy in that relationship. Using a cross-sectional study design, 636 Chinese adolescents (Girls = 48.6%, mean years of service = 15.8, SD = 1.9) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Ego-Resiliency Scale (ERS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Mediation analysis revealed that childhood emotional abuse significantly predicted higher levels of depression. Moreover, resilience and self-efficacy were found to mediate this relationship both independently and sequentially. Specifically, resilience accounted More >

Hongmei Yuan¹, Siting Li^1,2,3,*, Yu Zhang^2,3, Yunheng Zhao¹, Dan Shen¹, E. Scott Huebnerd⁴

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.6, pp. 723-730, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.073368 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Academic engagement is a key factor in students’ academic success, yet its psychological pathways remain underexplored in the context of physical activity. This study investigated the relationship between sports participation and academic engagement, with a focus on the sequential mediating roles of positive affect and life satisfaction. A total of 1365 Chinese secondary school students (females = 55.09%; mean age = 15.95 years, SD = 1.65) participated in the study. Participants completed the Physical Activity Rating Scale, the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Academic Engagement Scale. Correlation More >

Baobao Dang^1,*, Wenjing Li¹, Haiyan Zhao², Shifeng Li³

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.6, pp. 749-759, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.071932 - 30 December 2025

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between NCLP and social adaptation among high school students, as mediated by prosocial tendency and language communication strategies. The sample comprised 547 Tibetan high school students aged 15–18 years (female = 69.5%, mean age = 16.67 years, SD = 0.95) from the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China. They completed questionnaires surveys on NCLP, social adaptation, prosocial tendency, and language communication strategies. The mediation analysis results indicated that NCLP significantly predicted social adaptation. Prosocial tendency and language communication strategies independently and significantly mediated the relationship between NCLP and social adaptation. Prosocial tendency More >

Murat Aslan¹, Sinan Uğraş², Fatih Ateş³, Mehmet Akarsu⁴, Taylan Akbuğa⁵, Mehmet Güllü⁴, Barış Mergan^6,*

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.6, pp. 739-748, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.067085 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Although prior studies have examined job-finding anxiety, burnout, and school alienation individually, limited research has attempted to integrate these three constructs within a unified framework. This conceptual and contextual gap underscores the need to investigate these interrelations simultaneously, particularly among university students navigating heightened career uncertainties. The present study examined the mediating role of school alienation and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between university students’ levels of job-finding anxiety and burnout. A total of 426 university students participated in the study, of whom 54.9% were male (n = 234) and 45.1% were… More >

Yezi Zeng^1,*, Yufei Cong²

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.11, pp. 1663-1679, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.072125 - 28 November 2025

Abstract Background: Academic stress is a critical factor influencing university students’ well-being. However, research has shown that stress is not a unidimensional construct; different types of stressors (challenge vs. hindrance) may lead to distinct outcomes. This study constructed a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the relationships between challenge and hindrance academic stressors and students’ well-being, as well as the mediating mechanisms. Methods: Data were collected from 836 undergraduates at six universities in China (58.4% female, 41.6% male; Mean age = 20.47 ± 1.46 years). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and SEM with 5000 bootstrap resamples were conducted… More >

Zehui Zhou¹, Juan Song^2,*, Kelei Guo^1,*

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.5, pp. 689-694, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.066954 - 24 October 2025

Abstract This study explored the relationship between physical exercise and college students’ mental health, as well as the mediating role of peer relationships and self-esteem. Participants were 1513 undergraduate students (first to fourth year) from six universities in Guangdong Province, China. They completed the Physical Exercise Scale, College Student Mental Health Scale, Peer Relationship Scale, and Self-Esteem Scale. The results following correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and the bias-corrected percentile bootstrap method indicated. (1) Physical exercise was positively correlated with the mental health of college students and the direct path was significant; (2) Physical exercise and… More >

Lan Luo¹, Yun Shen¹, Zuntao Gu², Linbing Wang¹, Shijian Sun^3,*

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.5, pp. 713-721, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.066529 - 24 October 2025

Abstract This cross-sectional study examined how parenting styles influence college students’ romantic attitudes through para-social relationships. A total of 571 college students (females = 71.2%) completed the Short-form Parenting Style Scale, the Para-social Relationship Scale, and the Questionnaire on College Students’ View of Marriage and Love. Mediation was examined with bootstrap-corrected structural equation modelling (5000 resamples). Results indicated that maternal rejection (indirect effect β = −0.019, 95% CI = −0.055–−0.001, p < 0.05) and overprotection (indirect effect β = −0.02, 95% CI = −0.055–−0.001, p < 0.05) indirectly undermined college students’ marriage views by intensifying para-social relationships, whereas More >

Xiao Huang^1,*, Suqing Chen², Fairuz A’dilah Binti Rusdi¹

Journal of Psychology in Africa, Vol.35, No.5, pp. 641-650, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpa.2025.066349 - 24 October 2025

Abstract This study examined the perceived teacher autonomy support effects on college students’ creativity, and the role of academic engagement and affect (positive and negative emotions) in that relationship. The study sample comprised 637 undergraduates (366 females, 271 males). Results from structural equation modelling with a moderated mediation framework indicated that perceived teacher autonomy support positively predicted college students’ self-reported creativity. Academic engagement partially mediated the relationship between autonomy support and creativity, whereby higher perceived autonomy support predicted greater academic engagement, which subsequently promoted creativity. Both positive and negative emotions strengthened the link between autonomy support More >

Shijie Li¹, Yongliang Wang^2,*

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, Vol.27, No.9, pp. 1335-1351, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ijmhp.2025.067246 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Background: Recent years have witnessed the rapid rise of TikTok, a short-video social platform, which has sparked concerns about its potential for misuse and addiction. TikTok addiction has been associated with various psychological and social issues. This study aims to explore the mediating role of social ostracism in the relationship between the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Narcissism) and TikTok addiction. Methods: Data were collected from 425 Chinese college students through convenience sampling, using three validated scales: the Dirty Dozen, the Social Ostracism Scale, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)… More >