earticle

영어

This study used meta-analysis to examine relationships among rejection sensitivity, loneliness, and SNS addiction tendency in young adults, and meta-analytic path analysis to verify the mediating effect of loneliness. A total of 49 Korean studies with participants aged 18-34, published from 2015 to June 2025, were analyzed using CMA Version 4 and R 4.5.1. The meta-analysis revealed medium effect sizes for the relationships between rejection sensitivity and SNS addiction tendency and between loneliness and SNS addiction tendency. A large effect size was found for the relationship between rejection sensitivity and loneliness. The meta-analytic path analysis indicated that rejection sensitivity had both direct effects on SNS addiction tendency and indirect effects mediated by loneliness, supporting partial mediation. The results suggest that SNS addiction tendency should be understood as a psychological phenomenon arising from attempts to fulfill relational needs rather than simple overuse. Rejection sensitivity and loneliness should be considered important intervention targets for preventing SNS addiction tendency in young adults.