Page 149 - Never Too Far Away? The Roles of Social Network Sites in Sojourners’ Adjustment

issue has been rarely addressed (Kühne, 2013). Since the study in Chapter 5 involved two groups belonging to different populations, and with data for each group collected at different time points, I deemed it necessary to perform a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (particularly, testing for measurement invariance between the two groups) to be able to make meaningful comparisons (Kühne, 2013). For the measurement invariance testing, I made use of latent variable modelling. This accounted for the error variance, allowing for real variance interpretation, which was particularly important for the self-constructed scale of SNS-based relationship support. Since measurement invariance was established, I was confident that the factor loadings of indicator variables on their respective latent factors do not differ between the two groups (Kühne, 2013; Steenkamp & Baumgartner, 1998). In other words, the constructs in the study were measured and understood in the same way in both LDRR and GCRR.
Practical Implications
In terms of practical implications, this dissertation informs international sojourners themselves, as well as their significant others (family, friends, and in some cases, their romantic partners), of the social factors that may contribute to adjustment. This dissertation provides a set of results that specifies when, with whom, and which relational contexts SNS interactions might be helpful for sojourners. For instance, SNS use might be relatively less beneficial in a broad relational context compared to a more specific relational context. In the context of romantic relationships, SNS could provide a sense of stability, continuity, and closeness among sojourners with their partners. The findings of this dissertation could be informative and useful for research on the reintegration process of sojourners. Restarting life in the home country could be less distressing if one looks forward to reuniting with a romantic partner.
Moreover, this dissertation highlights the value of regular face-to-face interactions with significant others in the host country. Thus, sojourners are encouraged to keep a good balance of SNS and face-to-face interactions during their sojourn. This sounds intuitive but this dissertation provides empirical evidence for this advice. This practical information considers both positive and negative consequences on one’s sense of support, feelings of homesickness and romantic relationship maintenance.
General Discussion 147