Smart psychological service platform usage frequency and depressive symptoms among university students: a chain mediation model involving psychological capital and self-compassion

Introduction Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study examined the associations between the usage frequency of Smart Psychological Service Platforms (SPSPs) and depressive symptoms among university students, as well as the chain mediation of psychological capital and self-compassion in this association. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 1,082 university students. The mediating roles of psychological capital and self-compassion, including their sequential indirect association, were examined. Results SPSP usage frequency was significantly and negatively associated with depressive symptoms among university students. Both psychological capital and self-compassion served as independent mediators in this association. A significant sequential indirect effect was also observed, linking SPSP usage frequency to depressive symptoms through psychological capital and subsequently self-compassion. The pathway “usage frequency → psychological capital → depressive symptoms” showed the largest indirect effect, followed by the chain pathway “usage frequency → psychological capital → self-compassion → depressive symptoms,” whereas the pathway “usage frequency → self-compassion → depressive symptoms” was comparatively weaker. Discussion The findings suggest that external digital mental health resources may be associated with internal positive psychological strengths, extending COR theory into the field of digital health. Given the cross-sectional design, the observed indirect associations should not be interpreted as evidence of causal mechanisms. These findings provide provisional, hypothesis-generating evidence that may inform universities’ efforts to optimise smart mental health service platforms, refine promotion strategies, and develop targeted digital interventions. Further longitudinal and experimental research is needed to establish causal relationships and evaluate these implications.