Role of problematic use of social networks and self-consciousness in the association between adverse childhood experiences and well-being among young Indian adults

The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and problematic use of social networks (PUS) among the young adults prompted the current study. In understanding how ACEs are associated with well-being, the current study examined the mediating role of PUS and the moderating role of self-consciousness. This cross-sectional study employed self-report measures to collect data from 671 young adults (382 males, 287 females, 2 non-binary; Mean age = 20.85 years) across India. The data were analyzed using concurrent moderation and mediation model (Hayes PROCESS macro model 5) in SPSS. The findings revealed a negative association between ACEs and well-being. This relationship was partially and significantly mediated by PUS. The simultaneous analysis of the moderation and mediation model showed overall significance. The direct path between ACEs and well-being was moderated by self-consciousness and mediated by PUS. The results of conditional effects indicated that as self-consciousness increased, the negative association between ACEs and well-being became stronger . Hence, individuals did not benefit from greater self-consciousness as they intensified the emotional cost of early adversity, leading to reduced overall well-being. Developing evidence-based interventions to prevent ACEs and address negative health behaviors (such as PUS) in this population will be beneficial. A policy intervention to regulate excessive use of social networking sites should be introduced.