The influence of social comparison tendency on SNS addiction tendency: the mediating effect of internalized shame moderated by self-compassion

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation effect of internalized shame relationship between social comparison tendency and SNS addiction tendency, and the moderated mediation effect of self-compassion in this path. Methods To test the significance of the moderated mediation effect, we collected data from 249 participants aged 22 to 58 years old using an online survey to measure social comparison tendency, internalized shame, self-compassion, and SNS addiction tendency. Results First, a significant correlation was found in all major variables. Second, the mediating effect of internalized shame was significant in the relationship between social comparison tendency and SNS addiction tendency. Third, self-compassion moderated the relationship between internalized shame and SNS addiction tendency. Fourth, it was found that the mediating effect of internalized shame on the relationship between social comparison tendency and SNS addiction tendency was moderated by self-compassion. Conclusions High self-compassion people are less likely to experience SNS addiction tendency through internalized shame, even if they experience social comparison tendency. This study is meaningful in that presents implications that are helpful for understanding and intervention of clients with a high level of social comparison tendency in psychotherapy.