LAUSR

Abstract The current study was designed to assess the association between the profiles of basic need satisfaction and frustration and SNSs-related outcomes among Chinese university students from the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT)(N = 491). LPA identified four profiles: unsatisfied and frustrated, satisfied and un-frustrated, average, satisfied and frustrated. Results showed that satisfied and un-frustrated users demonstrated higher both general and SNSs related well-being and lower SNSs addiction; unsatisfied and frustrated users experienced lower well-being and had higher SNSs addiction. These results support the social enhancement hypothesis, which states that satisfied users experience higher levels of well-being on SNSs, whereas frustrated users are at higher risks of SNSs addiction. Furthermore, users in the satisfied and frustrated profile demonstrated dual characters, such as reporting both higher levels of SNSs-related well-being (especially flow) and SNSs addiction. These findings provide further evidence for distinction between need satisfaction and frustration, and contribute to deeper understanding of the associations between basic need satisfaction and frustration and individuals’ well-being and experience on SNSs.