Relação entre o uso das redes sociais e o bem-estar psicológico, o suporte social e a solidão em jovens adultos

Abstract

Social networks are currently a form of communication that allows the establishment and maintenance of social connections. The use of social networks by young adults can have positive effects such as combating low self­esteem and expanding their social core. However, the same use of social networks appears associated with depression, anxiety, social anxiety and loneliness.The present study aimed to correlate the use of social networks with psychological well­being, social support and loneliness in young adults. For this, a set of instruments was applied that included a sociodemographic and social media use questionnaire, the Psychological Well­Being Manifestation Measurement Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale. The sample consisted of 159 participants, aged between 18 and 30 years old. Correlations were identified between the total of the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Satisfaction with Friends subscale (rs = ­.233, p = .003), the Intimacy subscale (rs = .268, p = <.001) and the Social Activities subscale (rs = ­.170, p = .034), which are related to Satisfaction with Social Support. A negative relationship was also noted between the total of the Manifestation of Psychological Well­Being Scale and the total of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (rs= ­.575, p= <.001). It was also found that education has a positive relationship with the Self­Esteem and Social Involvement dimensions of the Psychological Wellbeing instrument (rs= .158, p= .047; rs= .178, p= .025) and it was also noted a negative correlation between age and Sociability (rs= ­.185, p= .019). On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between the use of social networks and Psychological Well­Being, Satisfaction with Social Support or Loneliness (p > .05). Although some of the hypotheses were supported, others did not receive statistical support, so it is crucial to continue exploring these topics in diverse contexts and considering additional variables to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Date of Award	27 Mar 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Armanda Gonçalves (Supervisor)