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Problematic Internet Usage and Self-Esteem in Chinese Undergraduate Students: The Mediation Effects of Individual Affect and Relationship Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Guang Zeng

    (Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong 510275, China)

  • Lijin Zhang

    (Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong 510275, China)

  • Sai-fu Fung

    (Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Jingwen Li

    (Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Yi-Man Liu

    (School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
    Guangzhou Huashang College, University Administrative Office, Guangdong 511300, China)

  • Zi-Ke Xiong

    (Guangzhou Huashang College, University Administrative Office, Guangdong 511300, China)

  • Zhi-Quan Jiang

    (Guangzhou Huashang College, University Administrative Office, Guangdong 511300, China)

  • Fang-Fang Zhu

    (School of Economics and Trade, Guangzhou Huashang College, Guangdong 511300, China)

  • Zhen-Ting Chen

    (School of Data Science, Guangzhou Huashang College, Guangdong 511300, China)

  • Si-Ding Luo

    (Managing Director Office, Global Business College of Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
    General Manager Office, Edvantage Institute Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia)

  • Ping Yu

    (Managing Director Office, Global Business College of Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
    General Manager Office, Edvantage Institute Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia)

  • Qian Huang

    (Department of Sports Training, Xi’an Physical Education University, Xi’an 710068, China)

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the mediating effects of individual affect and relationship satisfaction on the relationship between self-esteem and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Affect was measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), relationship satisfaction was assessed using a positive and negative semantic dimension scale, self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and PIU was measured using the Problematic Internet Use scale with a sample of 507 Chinese university students (Mage = 20.41 years, SD = 2.49). The relationships between the variables were tested using structural equation modelling with a multiple mediation model. The results revealed that negative affect and the negative semantic dimensions of relationship satisfaction mediated the relationship between self-esteem and PIU. The implications of the results and the study’s theoretical contributions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Guang Zeng & Lijin Zhang & Sai-fu Fung & Jingwen Li & Yi-Man Liu & Zi-Ke Xiong & Zhi-Quan Jiang & Fang-Fang Zhu & Zhen-Ting Chen & Si-Ding Luo & Ping Yu & Qian Huang, 2021. "Problematic Internet Usage and Self-Esteem in Chinese Undergraduate Students: The Mediation Effects of Individual Affect and Relationship Satisfaction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6949-:d:584517
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    References listed on IDEAS

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