Relationship between perceived stress and online flaming among adolescents: Mediating roles of fear of missing out and ego depletion

Abstract This study aimed to examine the direct relationship between perceived stress and online flaming, as well as the mediating roles of fear of missing out and ego depletion. A sample of Chinese junior and senior high school students (N = 556) was included. Students completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Fear of Missing out Scale, Ego Depletion Scale, and the Online Flaming Scale. The results indicated that tension (perceived stress sub-dimension) had a direct effect on online flaming, and perceived stress and loss of control (perceived stress sub-dimension) did not have a direct effect on online flaming. Moreover, perceived stress and tension (perceived stress sub-dimension) had an indirect effect on online flaming through the mediating roles of fear of missing out and ego depletion, and loss of control (perceived stress sub-dimension) did not have an indirect effect on online flaming through the mediating roles of fear of missing out and ego depletion. These findings enhanced the understanding of the mechanism of online flaming and provided new perspectives for the prevention of online flaming among adolescents.