This study aims to investigate a mediation model where Social Networking Sites (SNSs) use mediates the impact of self-expression and social acceptance on psychological distress, alongside a moderation model examining whether self-esteem affects the relationship of SNSs addiction and psychological distress. Using a quantitative research design with purposive sampling approach the study targets exclusively women on Facebook due to their specific SNSs engagement patterns and potential vulnerability to psychological distress. Data were gathered from 262 participants through online close-ended questionnaires. Validated instruments were used, including Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (10K) (α = 0.93), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (α = 0.934), SNSs addiction (α = 0.861), self-expression (a = 0.927), and social acceptance (a = 0.879). Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21, while hypotheses were tested using SmartPLS 4.0. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between self-expression and SNSs addiction, and a negative relationship between social acceptance and SNSs addiction. SNSs addiction was positively correlated with psychological distress. Furthermore, the self-esteem did not moderate relationship between SNSs addiction and psychological distress, possibly due to cultural and demographic factors. These findings highlight the need to mitigate the negative consequences of SNSs use and fostering better mental health outcomes.
Muneer, S. , Aslam, M. Zia , Jamshed, S. and Qamar, N. (2026). Exploring Digital Dynamics: The role of Self-Expression and Social Acceptance Seeking in Shaping Psychological Well-Being. Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, (), -. doi: 10.22059/ijms.2026.393606.677571
MLA
Muneer, S. , , Aslam, M. Zia, , Jamshed, S. , and Qamar, N. . "Exploring Digital Dynamics: The role of Self-Expression and Social Acceptance Seeking in Shaping Psychological Well-Being", Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22059/ijms.2026.393606.677571
HARVARD
Muneer, S., Aslam, M. Zia, Jamshed, S., Qamar, N. (2026). 'Exploring Digital Dynamics: The role of Self-Expression and Social Acceptance Seeking in Shaping Psychological Well-Being', Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22059/ijms.2026.393606.677571
CHICAGO
S. Muneer , M. Zia Aslam , S. Jamshed and N. Qamar, "Exploring Digital Dynamics: The role of Self-Expression and Social Acceptance Seeking in Shaping Psychological Well-Being," Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, (2026): -, doi: 10.22059/ijms.2026.393606.677571
VANCOUVER
Muneer, S., Aslam, M. Zia, Jamshed, S., Qamar, N. Exploring Digital Dynamics: The role of Self-Expression and Social Acceptance Seeking in Shaping Psychological Well-Being. Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22059/ijms.2026.393606.677571
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