Internet Use, Marital Satisfaction and Depression in Chinese Couples
Insights From Binary Couple Data
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12569321 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Wenbin Du (0000-0003-4011-6748, Research Institute of Social Development Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Chengdu China), Siya Zhou (Research Institute of Social Development Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Chengdu China), Ziheng Zhang (0000-0002-5938-4729, School of Finance Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Chengdu China), Yue Wang (0000-0001-8527-9175, Yonsei University), Yuxi Wang (0000-0002-9897-7316, Department of International Relations Yonsei University Seoul Republic of Korea), Fengrui Hua (0000-0003-0750-7384, Research Institute of Social Development Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Chengdu China, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Child & Family Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1356-7500 • E-ISSN: 1365-2206 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/cfs.70128 |
| OpenAlex | W7124452735 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 77 |
In contemporary China, rapid digitalisation has reshaped intimate relationships, influencing marital satisfaction and mental‐health outcomes. This study investigates how Internet use affects marital satisfaction and depression among Chinese couples, emphasising the interdependent dynamics of spousal interactions. Utilising dyadic data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies and the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM), the research examines the actor and partner effects of Internet use on depression, with marital satisfaction as a mediator. Findings reveal that Internet use enhances spousal communication, fostering reciprocity and elevating marital satisfaction, which in turn mitigates depressive symptoms. However, gender differences complicate this dynamic, with women's Internet use potentially reducing their own satisfaction due to sociocultural tensions. Grounded in Family Systems Theory, this study extends prior individual‐focused research by highlighting dyadic mechanisms, offering methodological advancements through APIMeM. These insights inform social work interventions, such as digital literacy programs and online counselling, to promote healthy digital engagement and relational well‐being in China's evolving socio‐digital landscape
Interdependence · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal relationship · Moderation · Multilevel model · Partner effects · Reciprocity (cultural anthropology · Social support · The Internet · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Work-Family Balance Challenges
Social media use, social anxiety, and loneliness
The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
Assessing Mediation in Dyadic Data Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model
Families as Systems
Social Isolation, Cognitive Function, and Depression Among Chinese Older Adults
Mental health among the Hmong population in the U.S
Social networking site use and relationship quality
Watching the world from my screen
Partner phubbing
Spousal religious difference, marital satisfaction, and psychological well‐being of Chinese older adults
Associations between parents' and grandparents' depressive symptoms, intergenerational coparenting relationships, and (grand)parenting behaviors
Bidirectional or unidirectional? Longitudinal associations between external stressors, perceived spousal support, and marital instability
The Couple and Family Technology Framework
Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety
Internet Use and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in China
Unpacking the Association between Family Functionality and Psychological Distress among Chinese Left-Behind Children
Internet Use and Lower Life Satisfaction
The sampling design of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS)
Why spouses depress each other
An ecological systems approach to understanding social support in foster family resilience
Link between Internet addiction and depression and roles of social withdrawal and school belonging
Rising Cohabitation and Chinese Modernity
Online communication, social media and adolescent wellbeing
Social Work and Social Media
Using mobile apps in social work behavioral health care service
Creating solace and hope during Covid-19
Mother–adolescent conflict as a mediator between adolescent problem behaviors and maternal psychological control
Dyadic coping responses and partners’ perceptions for couple satisfaction
Longitudinal Dyadic Associations Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Couples
Marriage and Divorce
Dyadic adjustment of persons with albinism and their significant other
The calm after the storm
Relationship-oriented values and marital and life satisfaction among Chinese couples
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |