Influence of Internet Addiction, Self Concept and Neuroticism on Marital Conflict

Abstract

In our contemporary time, the conflict experienced in marital relationship has become a global phenomenon affecting members of every social class. The study examined the influence of internet addiction, self concept and neuroticism on marital conflict in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State. Three hundred and four (304) participants (181 males and 123 females) were selected from married people in five archdeaconries in Obio/Akpor L.G.A. These participants were selected using multi stage sampling technique. The criterion sampling technique was used which was used which included being married for at least one year, currently staying with their spouses, of Christian faith etc. Internet addiction test (Young, 1997), semantic differential self concept scale (Ezeilo, 1982), Neuroticism subscale of the Big five personality inventory (John, Donahue & Kentle, 1991) and marital conflict behavior checklist (Omeje, 1998) were the instruments used in the study. The study utilized a cross-sectional design and a 3 way (2x2x2) analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that neuroticism significantly influenced marital conflict (F (1,296) =15.01, P<.01) and there was an interaction effect between internet addiction and self concept on marital conflict (F (1,296) =7.55, P<.01). Recommendations were made in the light of the findings indicating that practical applications should be applied managing marital conflict.