The mediating role of social sensitivity in the relationship between mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress among social media users

Abstract

Exposure to traumatic events such as disasters, violence, and wars through social media has been associated with psychological distress and secondary traumatic stress (STS). However, limited evidence exists regarding how mindfulness and social sensitivity are associated with this digital form of trauma. This study examined the relationships among mindfulness, social sensitivity, and STS among social media users and tested the mediating role of social sensitivity. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2025 with 433 social media users in T & uuml;rkiye. Data were collected using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale for Social Media Users (STSS-SM), the Social Sensitivity Scale (SSS), and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Correlation and mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS Model 4. There was a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between STSS-SM scores and both SSS and MAAS scores (p < .001). Mediation analysis indicated that social sensitivity showed a statistically significant indirect association in the relationship between mindfulness and STS (p < .001). Participants reporting longer daily social media use had higher STS and lower mindfulness and social sensitivity levels. Higher mindfulness and social sensitivity were associated with lower levels of social media-related STS. Mindfulness-based psychoeducational interventions may represent promising approaches for supporting psychological well-being in digital environments.