PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Maria O. Ilich

MA-Research
December 2002

The Use of the Internet as a Coping Resource

    Pervious research suggests that people turn to the Internet to cope with life stressors; there has been little research to validate this claim.  This study attempted to address the type of coping strategies used online and which Internet applications are employed for this purpose.  One hundred and four participants completed the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) and two scales created for this study: a checklist of popular Internet activities and Internet Coping Measure.  Results showed that people cope online using all three coping strategies.  However, people coped differently online, utilizing more avoidance and social support, than they did off-line.  Women sought more social support than did men both off-line and online.  Findings supported the premise that the Internet can be a significant resource to help people cope with their stress.  Future studies on the motivations behind Internet use should include coping as a viable reason for spending time online.

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