Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences (PJSS)

Vol. 38, No. 2 (2018), pp. 399-407

Interpersonal Relationship and Self-Esteem Associated with the

Development of Problematic Internet Use
Ruqia Safdar Bajwa
Department of Applied Psychology,
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Email: ruqiasafdar@bzu.edu.pk

Iram Batool (Corresponding Author)

Department of Applied Psychology,
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Salima Tahira
Department of Applied Psychology,
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract:
This study examined the impact of interpersonal relationships and self-
esteem on problematic Internet use among adolescents, young and
older adults of Multan City. Further this research explored the
problematic internet use variations in terms of gender, age and its
correlation with self-esteem. A total of 400 participants of different
organizations of Multan city participated in the study. The participants
were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using the
Online Cognition Scale (OCS), Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale,
Relational Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ) and was analyzed using
One Way ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation and linear regression
methods. Findings suggest that problematic Internet use shows
significant variation in terms of gender and age. Interpersonal
relationship and self-esteem meaningfully predict problematic Internet
use.

Keywords: Problematic Internet Use, Online Cognition, Self-Esteem, Interpersonal

Relationship.

I. Introduction
We turn to our dear ones through thick and thin to seek practical and emotional
support. Then why people spend a considerable period of time in front of computer and
laptop screens, with little attention to real life relationships? On the other hand self-
esteem quickly implies to evaluative aspect of the self-concept (Baumeister, 1998). To
enhance our self-esteem we practically do many challenging tasks in our routine life.
Then why people skip these activities by devoting their large amount of time to internet
use? Do the interpersonal relationship and self-esteem are associated with the
development of problematic internet use (PIU)? These correlates of PIU like several other
psychological correlates have received much attention recently.
400 Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 38, No. 2

Despite the positive viewpoints about internet as a progressive innovation; for

extreme users positive perspectives get to be pointless. Extreme Internet utilization is
talked about by numerous researchers with distinctive ideas i.e. “Internet addiction”
(Young & Rodgers, 1998), “Internet dependency” (Wang, 2001), “pathological Internet
use” (Young, 2004), “problematic Internet use” (Kaltiala-Heino, Lintonen & Rimpela,
2004), “Internet abuse” (Young & Case, 2004), and “obsessive video game playing
(Keepers, 1990)”.

A little however developing range of research has added the term internet
addiction that is connected with multifaceted impairments. (Brenner, 1996; Egger, 1996;
Griffiths, 1997; Morahan-Martin, 1997; Thompson, 1996; Scherer, 1997; Young, 1996a;
Young, 1996b; Young, 1997).Morahan-Martin and Schumacher (2000) characterize PIU
as rigorous web utilization, inability to control internet use and resulting severe
impairments to the user’s life. Various theories like cognitive-behavioral theory (Davis,
2001), the social skill model (Caplan, 2005), and social-cognitive theory (LaRose, Lin,
&Eastin, 2003) clarify the causes behind Internet utilization.

A study on dependent and non-dependent Internet users showed significant

difference in terms of interpersonal relations (Mustafa KOC, 2011). Young (1996)
presumed that internet addiction can smash families, relationships, and career. Excessive
internet use frequently causes educational & relationship weaknesses (Chou, 2001). PIU
is excessive time spent on the internet to a degree that may have negative consequences
for the social and marital relationships (Young, 1997). Taiwanese researchers found that
school students of Taiwan, USA and Europe use internet excessively (around 20 hours
every week) (e.g. Chen, 1998; Chou et al., 1999). Past studies on Internet addiction
concentrated basically on undergraduate students, adults, or general users (Greenfield,
2000; Griffiths, 1998).

Findings regarding the relationship between gender and Internet addiction were
blended. Few researches found no relationship (Egger &Rauterberg, 1996; Hall &
Parsons, 2001). Various other studies found that “internet addicts” are prevalently male
(Brenner, 1996; Chou & Hsiao, 2000; Greenberg, Lewis, & Dodd, 1999; Morahan-Martin
& Schumacker, 1997; Scherer & Bost, 1997; Tsai & Lin, 2000, 2001; Thompson, 1996;
Young 1998a, 1998b). Petrie and Gunn (1998) recognized an even sex distribution.

A research study on the correlation between addicts and non addicts

demonstrated that they are significantly different regarding parental relations, teacher
relations, interpersonal relations and self-esteem (Shu Ching Yang & Chieh-Ju Tung
2007). Different studies inferred that a strong relationship exists between PIU and self-
esteem (Greenberg, Lewis & Dodd, 1999; Miller, 1990; Richter, Brown & Mott, 1991;
Sobell, 2007; Kim & Davis, 2009). Young (1998) has reported that vast mass of Internet
addicts has a low self-esteem. Many studies uncovered that teenagers with low self-
esteem tend to invest more energy in social networking (Ellison, Steinfield & Lampe,
2007; Steinfield, Ellison & Lampe, 2008).
 Ruqia Safdar Bajwa, Iram Batool, Salima Tahira 401

Unlike most past researches current study targeted interpersonal relationship,

self-esteem and other psychological attributes as predictor variables especially in
Pakistan. On account of novelty this study has focused on demographic variables such as
age and gender in Asian culture in relation to PIU; interpersonal relationship and self-
esteem.

In contrast to other researches this study is intended to probe PIU among

adolescent and adult students as well as working older adults. Consistent with available
literature review we hypothesized that PIU will vary in terms of gender. Based on
existing theories further hypothesis of this study is that PIU will be higher among
teenagers and adults. Moreover current review studies support our prediction that there
will be a significant negative correlation between PIU and self-esteem and interpersonal
relationship will be meaningful predictors of PIU.

II. Method
A. Participants
The sample included 400 participants with age groups of up to 20 years
(n = 111), 21-30 years (n= 110), 30-40 years (n= 92) and 40+ years (n=87) selected using
purposive sampling from various organizations of Multan in Pakistan. Among them 52%
were women, 48% were men. The sample was representative of Multan city population in
terms of gender and age.

B. Measures
Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale
Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) is 4-point Likert scale from
strongly disagree to strongly agree. It is devised to measures global self-worth by
measuring both positive and negative feelings about the self. It consists of 10 items. Items
2, 5,6,8,9 are reversed scored. Total the scores for the 10 items. The higher score depicts
higher self-esteem. The maximum score of this scale is 30. The scale had good internal
consistency (α= 0.82).

Online Cognition Scale (OCS)

Online Cognition Scale (Davis, Flett, &Besser, 2002), evaluate PIU alongside its
four sub-measurements loneliness/depression, diminished impulse control, distraction,
and social comfort. It is comprised of 36 items on a 7-point Likert scale. Its items are
drawn from symptoms described in the literature on PIU and related measures of
procrastination, depression, impulsivity and pathological gambling. It particularly focuses
on cognitions rather than behaviors. Item number 12 is reverse scored and then all items
are summed to obtain a total score. Scores in excess of 78 for females and 92 for males
indicate problematic Internet usage (Ozcan & Buzlu, 2007). Test retest reliability
determined as r=.90 and the standardized alpha .93 (Özcan, 2007). Reliability with
Cronbach Alpha is .89.
402 Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 38, No. 2

Relational Assessment Questionnaire

Relational Assessment Questionnaire (Snell, Jr., & Finney, 1993), measures
relational aspects of the self: relational-esteem, relational-depression, and relational
preoccupation. Items 9,21,24,27,30 are reverse scored. Relational-esteem refers to the
tendency to positively evaluate one's capacity to relate intimately to another person.
Relational-depression refers to the tendency to feel depressed about the status of one's
intimate relationships. Relational-preoccupation refers to the tendency to be highly
obsessed with thoughts about intimate relationships. The scale has a 5-point Likert scale
with each item being scored from 0 to 4: (0) not at all characteristic of me; (1) slightly
characteristic of me; (2) somewhat characteristic of me; (3) moderately characteristic of
me; and (4) very characteristic of me. Higher scores corresponded to greater esteem,
depression, and relationship preoccupation, respectively.Alpha for relational-depression
was .90, relational-esteem alpha was .86, and relational preoccupation alpha was .86
(Snell and Finney, 1993).

C. Procedure
Data was collected from different organizations of Multan. After giving a brief
opening of the study an informed consent was obtained from them. They were guaranteed
that their views will be kept strictly confidential. Data were evaluated using Pearson
correlation, t-test, One Way ANOVA and regression analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics
21.0.

III. Results
Results are given as follows.

Table 1: Means, Standard deviations and t-value for the Scores of Problematic
Internet Use and Gender (N=400)
Problematic
N M SD t p
Internet Use
Male 191 146.35 11.49
3.349 .001**
Female 209 142.46 11.65
Note: N = 400. df =398, **p< 0.01

Table 1 suggests that problematic internet use significantly differ in terms of

gender. Problematic internet use is higher among males. Cohen’s d is 0.336, which is
considered to be a medium effect size.

Table 2: One Way Analysis of Variance for the Scores of Problematic Internet Use,
and Age of participants
Source of
Scales SS df MS F P
Variation
Problematic Between
3051.085 3 1017.028
Internet Use Groups
Within 7.775 .000**
51797.592 396 130.802
Groups
Total 54848.678 399
Note. *p< 0.05
 Ruqia Safdar Bajwa, Iram Batool, Salima Tahira 403

A one-way ANOVA compared the problematic PIU, to 3 age groups of

participants. Analysis was found to be statistically significant, F (3, 396) = 7.775, p<
0.05. The strength of the relationship, as indexed by η 2, was .056. The results of a post-
hoc LSD test indicated that people with age range up to 20 years(adolescents) had
reliably higher problematic internet use and people with age 30-40(older adults) had
reliably lower problematic internet use. So,adults have higher problematic internet use
with mean difference 3.41 which is also significant.

Table 3: Correlations among Problematic Internet Use and Self-Esteem

Scales Problematic Internet Use Self-Esteem
Problematic Internet Use
__ -.472**
Self-Esteem __
Note:**p<0.01

A Pearson correlation explored the relationship between problematic internet

use (M = 144.32) and self-esteem (M = 25.27). This analysis was found to be statistically
significant, r (398) = -.472, p < .01, indicating a negative relationship between PIU and
self-esteem.

Table 4: Standard Regression Model showing impact of Self-Esteem and

Interpersonal Relationship on Problematic Internet Use
Predictors B Std. Error ßeta t P
Constant 231.553 6.151 37.648 .000**
Self-Esteem
-1.248 0.144 -.356** -8.639 .000**
Interpersonal
-.601 0.061 -.409** -9.914 .000**
Relationship
Note: R²= 0.343, Adjusted R² = .343, F (2, 397) P<0.05

In order to determine if Problematic internet use could be predicted as a function

of interpersonal relationship and self-esteem a multiple regression analysis was
performed utilizing problematic internet use as the criterion and interpersonal relationship
and self-esteem as predictors. A significant F value for linear regression model F (2,
397) = 104.980, p< .01 indicates that model significantly explains the resultant variable.
The R2value is .343 that indicates that self-esteem and interpersonal relationship predicts
the effects on problematic internet use 34.3%. The regression equation for predicting
problematic internet use from interpersonal relationship and self-esteem was found to be
Y= 231.553 + -1.248 X1+ -0.601 X2.

IV. Discussion
In present research PIU and its sub-dimensions showed significant variations in
terms of gender. Male students were found to have higher level of PIU as supported by
the relevant literature (Brenner, 1996; Chou & Hsiao, 2000; Greenberg, Lewis, & Dodd,
1999; Morahan-Martin &Schumacker, 1997; Scherer &Bost, 1997; Tsai & Lin, 2000,
2001; Thompson, 1996). Based on previous studies (Mustafa KOC, 2011; Chen, 1998;
Chou et al., 1999) this study explored that PIU is higher among adolescents and adults.
Study found a negative relationship between PIU and self-esteem consistent with
404 Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 38, No. 2

literature review (Griffiths, 2000; Kim & Davis, 2009; Young, 1998; Ellison, Steinfield
& Lampe, 2007; Steinfiel, Ellison & Lampe, 2008).

Moreover the research investigated that interpersonal relationship and self

esteem are meaningful predictors of PIU. Self-esteem was found to be the best predictor
followed by interpersonal relationship. There exists a relationship between PIU and
interpersonal relationships Consistent with relevant literature (Mustafa KOC, 2011;
Chou, 2001; Young, 1997; Davis, 2001; Young & Rogers, 1998) and self-esteem (Shu
Ching Yang &Chieh-Ju Tung, 2007; Greenberg, Lewis & Dodd, 1999; Miller, 1990;
Richter, Brown & Mott, 1991; Sobell, 2007). We haven’t a study that shows that
interpersonal relationship and self-esteem are predictor variables. Present research is
exploratory in this regard that it depicts that these are important antecedent variables.

V. Conclusion
Based on findings of this study Social support programs, Psycho-instructive,
interventional projects and individual and group work to create sound interpersonal
relationships and promotion of self-esteem could be recommended for both male and
female students that are at risk of PIU. In comparison to male students, female students
have better relational abilities, or that male students favor the Internet instead of eye to
eye communication. Adolescent students and adult lead excessive internet us. The
general conclusion we can make is that self-esteem has a persuasive part on teenagers'
development.

Inside of the school environment, introducing a substantial number of social

doors to test and build up capacities of youngsters to enhance their self-esteem by
involving parents might be extremely useful. Constant researches are necessary to
completely comprehend Internet addiction for devising and implementing therapy
programs, diagnosis and counseling. The limit of this research resides in the small sample
size. Moreover the results of this study cannot be generalized to the whole population of
Pakistan. As such this study is not an experimental one so lacks the capacity to recognize
causal linkages among the variables it explores and proposed a need for experimental
study for further exploration.

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