Self-Concept Clarity and Loneliness among College Students: The Chain-Mediating Effect of Fear of Negative Evaluation and Self-Disclosure

Self-concept clarity is considered a crucial indicator of mental health. Although several studies have examined the correlation between self-concept clarity and loneliness, few studies have investigated the underlying mechanism. Based on the evolutionary theory of loneliness and social penetration theory, this cross-sectional study focused on cognitive and behavioral factors in interpersonal communication situations, aiming to explore the relationship between self-concept clarity and loneliness as well as its internal mechanism. An online questionnaire survey comprised 1145 college students in China to assess their self-concept clarity, fear of negative evaluation, self-disclosure, and loneliness. After controlling for demographic variables, the results showed that self-concept clarity was not only able to directly and negatively predict loneliness but also indirectly predict loneliness through the independent mediating effects of fear of negative evaluation and self-disclosure, as well as the chain-mediating effect of fear of negative evaluation to self-disclosure. This study provides important implications for cognitive and behavioral intervention strategies to alleviate people’s loneliness and improve their mental health.