Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Decoding Happiness: How Self-Disclosure Influences Subjective Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Perceived Relational Intimacy and the Mediating Roles of Social Support and Loneliness

Ruoyu HouGuizhou University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Based on 414 valid questionnaires, this study explores the mechanism of social media self-disclosure on subjective well-being, and compares the differences between strong-tie platforms (WeChat) and weak-tie platforms (Douyin). The findings are as follows: a. Self-disclosure on WeChat significantly and positively predicts subjective well-being (β = 0.561, p < 0.001), while the effect on Douyin is weaker (β = 0.307, p < 0.01); b. Social support and loneliness play a partial mediating role on WeChat, but a full mediating role on Douyin; c. Perceived relationship intimacy has a significant positive moderating effect on Douyin (β = 0.493, p < 0.01), but the moderating effect is not significant on WeChat; d. More surprisingly, self-disclosure on Douyin is negatively correlated with intimacy (r = -0.027, p > 0.05) and negatively correlated with loneliness (r = -0.281, p < 0.001), which is contrary to the expectations of traditional social penetration theory. This study reveals the boundary conditions of platform characteristics on the effect of self-disclosure, providing a new perspective for understanding the "happiness paradox" of digital social interaction.

Keywords: self-disclosure; subjective well-being; perceived relationship intimacy; social support; loneliness
Published: May 6, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.BJ33242
Volume: CHR Vol.108
pp. 159-167
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