The mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between loneliness and passive TikTok use among Malay youth

Fakhrurazi, Athirah Fathiah and Mohd. Mahudin, Nor Diana (2025) The mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between loneliness and passive TikTok use among Malay youth. Asia-Pacific Journal of Youth Studies (APJYS), 16 (2). pp. 83-109. ISSN 2948-4235 E-ISSN 2811-4388

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The way Malay youth regulate their emotions relates to how they experience loneliness and shapes how they use social media, particularly TikTok. Yet these mechanisms remain underexplored despite TikTok’s prominence and potential to foster passive consumption. This study addresses this gap by examining the role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in linking loneliness to passive TikTok use. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 190 Malay youth TikTok users, with usage histories from two months to seven years. Measures included loneliness, cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and passive social media use. Over half reported moderate loneliness (55.3%), and more than one-third reported high loneliness (38.4%). Adaptive strategies were used more frequently than maladaptive ones. Mediation analysis revealed two indirect pathways. First, greater loneliness was associated with higher passive TikTok use through increased reliance on maladaptive strategies; B = .05, bootstrapped SE = .02, 95% CI [.01, .10]. Second, higher loneliness was also linked to greater passive TikTok use through reduced use of adaptive strategies; B = -.04, bootstrapped SE = .02, 95% CI [-.08, -.01]. Cognitive emotion regulation appears to be a central mechanism linking loneliness with passive TikTok use, highlighting it as a key target for interventions to foster healthier digital engagement and stronger psychological well-being in youth.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Cognitive Emotion Regulation, Loneliness, Malay Youth, Passive Social Media Use, TikTok
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF511 Affection. Feeling. Emotion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM621 Culture P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics > P87 Communication. Mass media
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Nor Diana Mohd Mahudin
Date Deposited:	30 Dec 2025 15:48
Last Modified:	30 Dec 2025 15:48
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q1184
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126243

Actions (login required)

View Item