The Mediating Role of Social Comparison in the Relationship Between Parental Social Media Use and Parenting Stress

Abstract

This study examined the mediating effect of social comparison tendencies on the relationship between social media usage and parenting stress. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 302 parents (59.27% mothers, 40.73% fathers).; average age 31- 40 years old) to measure their intensity of social media use, social comparison tendencies and parenting stress levels. Reliability and validity analysis indicated that all scales had good reliability and validity (Cronbach’s α > 0.85), and excellent structural validity (KMO=0.918). Relevant analysis shows that social media usage, social comparison tendency and parenting stress are significantly positively correlated in pairs (r=0.440-0.484, P < 0.001). The mediating role of social comparison tendency was supported by bootstrap analysis, showing a significant indirect pathway (effect = 0.161, 95% CI [0.103, 0.225]) from social media use to parenting stress. This indirect effect accounted for 36.9% of the total effect, suggesting that social comparison is a substantial mechanism through which social media use amplifies parenting stress. Finally, this study discussed the theoretical significance and practical implications, put forward suggestions for standardizing parents’ use of social media, and proposed further suggestions for future research.