The Relationship Between Mothers' Sharenting and Their Need for Social Approval

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: Ek 1, 11 - 23, 19.12.2025

Esra Ünal , Özlem Erdem , Arzu Koçak Uyaroğlu

Abstract

In recent years, mothers’ tendency to share parenting practices on social media has drawn considerable attention. These types of posts can be associated with mothers’ search for emotional support as well as their need for social approval. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mothers’ sharenting behaviors and their social approval needs. This descriptive and correlational research was conducted through an online survey with the participation of 393 mothers. Data were collected using the Sharenting Scale and the Need for Social Approval Scale. The findings indicate that as the time spent on social media increases, the level of sharenting also rises. Additionally, significant relationships were found between the need for social approval and certain sub dimensions of sharenting. As the need for social approval increases, the effects of positive feedback and sharing behaviors also increase, while social comparison and the effects of negative feedback tend to decrease. In conclusion, it appears that mothers’ tendency to make their parenting visible on social media is related to their need for social approval in specific ways. For future research, it is recommended to address this issue with broader and more diverse samples, including fathers.

Keywords

Mothers , social media , psychiatric nursing

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