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
