Internet Usage, Social Support and Gender as Predictors of Self Concept of University Undergraduates

ABSTRACT The study investigated internet usage, social support and gender as predictors of self concept among four hundred and eighty six (486) undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. They consisted of two hundred and thirty (230) males and two hundred and fifty six (256) females aged 18-32 years with a mean age of 25 years. Three instruments were used in this study: Self concept questionnaire, Social support questionnaire and Internet use inventory for undergraduate. Linear regression analysis was used for data analysis and showed a significant effects of the predictors variables; Internet usage (b = 0.43, p < .05); social support (b = 0.46, p < .001); and gender (b = 8.21, p < .05), on self concept, the dependent variable. The result of the findings showed that Internet usage, social support and gender are statistically significant predictors of self concept among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The implications of the study were highlighted and suggestions were made for further studies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Approval Page ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents ii

List of tables vi

Abstract vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Introduction 1

Statement of the Problem 16

Purpose of the Study 16

Operational Definition of Terms 17

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

THEORETICAL REVIEW

Social Cognitive Theory 18

Cognitive Dissonance Theory 19

Personality Theory of Self 20

Psychoanalytic Theory 21

Self Identification Theory 22

The Theory of Looking –Glass Self 23

Symbolic Interactionism Theory 24

General Psychological Orientation Theory 26

EMPIRICAL REVIEW

Internet usage and self concept 27

Social support and self concept 31

Gender and self concept 33

SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW

8

HYPOTHESES

CHAPTER THREE: METHOD

Participants 37

Instrument 38

Procedure 40

Design and Statistics 41

CHAPTER FOUR

Result 42

CHAPTER FIVE

Discussion 44

Implications of the study 46

Limitations of the study 50

Suggestions for further studies 50

Conclusion 51

References 53

APPENDICES

A. Questionnaire

• Demographic data

• Self concept questionnaire

• Internet use inventory

• Social support questionnaire

B. Reliability statistics for self concept questionnaire

C. Reliability statistics for social support questionnaire

D. Item analysis for internet Use Inventory for Undergraduates (IUIU)

E. Regression analysis