An investigation of the effect of exposure to emotional abuse and perceived social support on online loneliness among university students

This thesis comprehensively investigates the effects of emotional abuse exposure and perceived social support on online loneliness among university students. In recent years, the psychosocial impacts of digitalization and social media on young adults have become an increasingly prominent research area. The study sample consisted of 388 undergraduate students from four different faculties at Çukurova University. Participants' demographic characteristics, levels of emotional abuse, perceived social support, and online loneliness were measured using validated scales. The data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses. The results revealed that a significant portion of university students experience feelings of loneliness in digital environments. Increased exposure to emotional abuse was found to significantly elevate online loneliness, whereas higher levels of perceived social support played a protective role by reducing loneliness. Moreover, students who are distant from their families and close social circles were more likely to seek social support online. These findings suggest that reinforcing psychosocial support services and community-based social networks at universities is essential for strengthening psychological resilience and reducing digital risks among young adults. The results are expected to contribute to the development of effective intervention programs to help young people cope with loneliness, social support needs, and emotional abuse in the digital age.