An examination of the link between distressing life events, social media distress disclosure, and perceived stress: A moderated mediation model

• Social media distress disclosure frequency is associated with both situational and non-situational factors. • The frequency of social media distress disclosure was not only affected by self-oriented risk but also other-oriented risk. • The association between distressors and perceived stress was mediated by frequency of social media distress disclosure. • The mediated relationship was moderated by risk-benefit calculus and satisfaction with social media distress disclosure.