This study examined the relationship between online self-disclosure and posttraumatic growth (PTG) during public health emergencies, focusing on underlying mechanisms. A moderated mediation model was developed, incorporating deliberate rumination as a mediator and perceived positive feedback as a moderator. Data were collected from 559 college students using the COVID Stress Scale, Online Self-Disclosure Scale, Deliberate Rumination Scale, Perceived Positive Feedback Scale, and PTG Scale. Results showed that online self-disclosure directly and positively predicted PTG and indirectly influenced PTG through deliberate rumination. Moreover, perceived positive feedback negatively moderated the effect of online self-disclosure on deliberate rumination, indicating that the mediating pathway was stronger among individuals perceiving lower positive feedback. These findings extend the PTG theoretical framework and offer insights for mental health interventions, highlighting the importance of both cognitive processes and social feedback in fostering growth during crises.
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