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Problematic Internet Use, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being Among Athletes: Testing a Mediation Model and Its Implications
Łukasz Bojkowski1,2, Vivian de Oliveira2, António Fernando Boleto Rosado2,3
1Department of Sport Psychology, Poznan University of Physical Education, 61-871 Poznań, Poland.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to examine whether self-esteem acts as a mediator in the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and well-being among athletes, and to determine the implications of these relationships for educational practice, coaching strategies, and athlete support interventions. A total of 334 Polish athletes participated in the study and completed the Polish versions of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). Pearson's r correlation coefficients and mediation analyses using a bootstrap approach were conducted. The main results showed that PIU was negatively associated with self-esteem and well-being, whereas self-esteem was positively associated with well-being. Statistically significant, although small, indirect associations through self-esteem were observed between PIU and general well-being, as well as between all dimensions of PIU and emotional and psychological well-being. For social well-being, statistically significant indirect associations were observed only for preference for online social interaction and deficient self-regulation. These findings suggest that self-esteem may represent one psychological factor associated with the interrelations between PIU and well-being in athletes. The results may contribute to a more cautious understanding of the links between problematic internet use, self-esteem, and well-being, and may inform psychoeducational and preventive strategies in sport settings while acknowledging the limited practical significance of the observed effects.
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