The Influence of Instagram Upward Comparison and Shame on Mental Well-being: The Moderated Mediation Effect of

This study examined whether cognitive flexibility (alternatives and control) moderates the mediating effect of shame in the relationship between upward social comparison and mental well-being. A total of 228 Instagram users in their 20s from across the country participated, responding to scales measuring upward social comparison, internalized shame, mental well-being, and cognitive flexibility. The results of this study are as follows: First, shame partially mediated the relationship between upward social comparison and mental well-being. Second, control moderated the relationship between upward social comparison and shame, while the moderating effect of alternative thinking was not significant. Third, the moderated mediation effect of control was significant in the process through which upward social comparison influences mental well-being via shame.