The effect of mobile social media on the mental health status of Chinese international students: an empirical study on the chain mediation effect

Abstract

Purpose To explore the impact of mobile social media on the psychological well-being of Chinese international students and analyze the mechanisms of influence to enhance their overall psychological health and social interactions in a foreign environment. Methods Convenience sampling was employed, using questionnaires on Mobile Social Media, Psychological Resilience, Body Image, Health Goal Setting, Physical Activity Level, and Mental Health Status as measurement tools. Data were gathered from 378 Chinese international students across 33 universities in South Korea, including Kangwon National University, Myongji University, Kunsan National University, Seoul National University, and Chonbuk National University. Confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, common method bias testing, and chain mediation effect analysis were conducted using SPSS and AMOS 23.0. Results Mobile social media has significant indirect effects on the mental health of international students through various factors: psychological resilience and physical activity level (effect ‘adg’ = 0.080, 95% CI [0.029, 0.144]), body image and physical activity level (effect ‘beg’ = 0.122, 95% CI [0.044, 0.247]), and health goal setting and physical activity level (effect ‘cfg’ = 0.255, 95% CI [0.123, 0.428]). Conclusion The study shows that mobile social media benefits the mental health of Chinese international students by enhancing psychological resilience, physical activity, body image perception, and health goal setting. Collaboration between educational institutions and social media platforms is recommended to promote physical activity among international students. This collaboration can involve sharing encouraging messages, joining health communities, setting goals, and providing accessible exercise resources. Utilizing mobile apps or social media for tracking progress and goal-setting can also improve self-management skills.