Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between personality traits, user motivations, relationship quality, and attraction to online social support in a sample of young adults (N = 278) in Greece who use Facebook. Self-report questionnaires on personality, motives, relationship quality, online social support, and sociodemographic factors were administered. According to the results, men in contrast to women were significantly more attracted to online social support. Predictors of online relationship quality were the existence of close relationships, entertainment, and conscientiousness. Motives, personality, relationship quality, and gender were good predictors of attraction to online social support. Implications for psychologists and future research are discussed.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Kyriaki G. Giota
Kyriaki G. Giota is a psychologist and a doctoral student in the Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, Greece. She has a master’s degree in Counseling and Therapeutic Communication, and her research interests focus on social networking sites, communication and interpersonal relationships online, depression and counseling.
George Kleftaras
George Kleftaras is Associate Professor and Director of the postgraduate program in Counseling in the Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, Greece. His research interests focus on cultural, multicultural, and existential counseling; meaning in life, loneliness and depression in children, adults, elderly, minority individuals, and individuals with special needs.