Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 54 12 2025 12 31 2735 2744 Maryam Chegeni 1. Department of Public Health, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran 2. Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran Nouzar Nakhaee Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Negar Sangsefidi Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Shakila Zarrinnegar Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran Zahra Khorrami Ophthalmic Epidemiology Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Parvin Mangolian Shahrbabaki Nursing Research Center, Depart, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mahin Eslami Shahrbabaki Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Ali-Akbar Haghdoost Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2025 02 05 2025 10 24 Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to various behavioral and psychological issues. This study explored the relationship between ACEs and social media addiction (SMA), examining the mediating role of quality of life (QoL) and the moderating effect of occupational status. Methods: Overall, 1,247 adults (55.4% females), aged 19 to 65 yr, were recruited through convenience sampling in Kerman, southeast Iran. Validated Persian versions of the ACE-ASF, WHOQOL-BREF, and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale were used. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) assessed direct, indirect, and moderated pathways. Results: ACEs were significantly associated with higher SMA (β=0.088, P=0.002) and lower QoL (β = –0.234, P<0.001). QoL was inversely related to SMA (β = –0.225, P<0.001), and partially mediated the ACE–SMA relationship (β=0.053, P < 0.001). Occupational status moderated the effects of ACEs on both QoL (β=0.066, P=0.021) and SMA (β= –0.055, P=0.046), Higher job levels reduced adverse effects. However, no significant moderation was found in the QoL–SMA path. Conclusion: ACEs significantly increase the risk of SMA, partly through reduced QoL. Improving occupational status and QoL can reduce the long-term behavioral effects of childhood adversity. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/38059 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/38059/8733