Thesis Title: Self-Control, Social Networking Sites Usage, and Social Isolation in University Students: A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Author: Jaleesha Abdul Hafeez Butt
Supervisor: Rukhsana Kausar
Year: 2017
Degree: MPhil
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
Abstract
The present study was conducted to compare university students studying in Pakistan and UK on self-control, social networking sites usage and social isolation. It was hypothesized that there are likely to be differences in and relationship between self-control, social networking sites usage and social isolation between the two groups. It was also hypothesized that self-control and social networking sites usage are likely to predict social isolation and that place of stay is likely to moderate the relationship. The sample comprised of 189 (97 Pakistan & 92 UK) University students with age range of 18-28 years. Mean age of men was 22.99 years (SD = 2.41) whereas for women it was 21.99 years (SD = 2.19). Sample was taken from public universities of Pakistan and UK. Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS; Tangney, Baumeister, & Boone, 2004), Social Networking Time Use Scale (SONTUS; Olufaldi, 2016) and revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau & Cutrona, 1980) were used to assess self-control, social networking sites time usage and social isolation respectively. Results revealed significant differences between the two groups on social networking sites time usage and social isolation. Pakistani students were found to be higher in their use of social networking sites and were more isolated as compared to students in the UK. Negative relationship between self-control and factors of social networking sites usage was found in both groups of Pakistan and UK students. Negative relationship between self-control and social isolation was found in students in UK. Place of stay, self-control, internet usage in relaxation and free period and internet usage in public places were found to be predictors of social isolation. This study enhances the understanding of phenomena of self-control, social networking sites usage and social isolation in youth of Pakistan and UK and helps provide an insight to the cultural context.
Keywords: Self-control, social networking sites time usage, social isolation, university students.
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