Self-Control and Digital Well-Being Among University Students: A Mediation Analysis of Online Mindfulness within a Self-Regulation Framework

  • M Muslikah 
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Yuliati Hotifah
    Universitas Negeri Malang
    Indonesia
  • M Mulawarman
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Indrajati Kunwijaya
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Ashari Mahfud
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Sigit Hariyadi
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Susantika Dwy
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Alvia Ainil Latihifah
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia

Abstract

Recent frameworks in digital flourishing and self-regulation highlight that intrapersonal regulatory abilities are vital in shaping individuals’ well-being in online environments; however, empirical evidence linking these mechanisms among university students remains scarce. To address this gap, this study investigates the relationship between self-control and digital well-being and examines online mindfulness as a mediating psychological factor. A total of 300 undergraduate students (122 males and 178 females; aged 18–23 years) completed validated measures of self-control, online mindfulness (adapted from MAAS), and digital well-being. A mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro with 5,000 bootstrap samples was conducted. Self-control significantly predicted digital well-being directly (β = .348, SE = 0.053, t = 6.61, p < .001; 95% CI [.244, .452]) and indirectly through online mindfulness (β = .178; 95% CI [.118, .246]), indicating partial mediation. Self-control also strongly predicted online mindfulness (β = .421, SE = .053, t = 7.89, p < .001), and online mindfulness significantly predicted digital well-being after controlling for self-control (β = .422, SE = .043, t = 9.81, p < .001). Gender-specific analyses showed consistent mediation patterns for males (indirect effect = 0.167; 95% CI [.094, .248]) and females (indirect effect = .184; 95% CI [.122, .259]). These findings enhance theoretical understanding by clarifying how self-regulatory capacity boosts digital well-being through mindful online awareness. Practically, the results provide an empirical foundation for designing digital-based guidance and counselling interventions that encourage online mindfulness to promote healthier technology engagement among students.

Keywords
  • Self-control
  • Online mindfulness
  • Digital well-being
  • Students
  • Mediation
Lisensing Information
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Muslikah, M., Yuliati Hotifah, Mulawarman, M., Kunwijaya, I., Mahfud, A., Hariyadi, S., Dwy, S., & Latihifah, A. A. (2025). Self-Control and Digital Well-Being Among University Students: A Mediation Analysis of Online Mindfulness within a Self-Regulation Framework. KONSELOR, 14(4), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.24036/02025144148-0-86
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