Keywords

jealousy, attachment styles, Facebook, social networking sites, romantic relationships, uncertainty, communication

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to investigate how people use Facebook within the context of their romantic relationships from an attachment theory perspective. In the present study, a convenience sample (n = 179) completed an online survey with questions about Facebook use, attachment style, uncertainty-related behaviors, jealousy, relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results indicate that 1) there is a positive correlation between jealousy and Facebook use; 2) also, there is a positive correlation between jealousy and the time an individual spends viewing their partner's profile; 3) further, jealousy is positively related to uncertainty-reducing behaviors. Taken together, these results support the assertion that there is a downward spiral involving jealousy and Facebook. Results also showed that there are two types of uncertainty-related behaviors: antisocial behaviors and territorial behaviors. Anxious-ambivalent attachment styles were found to engage in antisocial behaviors the most, whereas secure individuals engaged in antisocial behaviors the least. The findings provide ample areas for future research on social networking sites and relationship variables.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2010

Advisor

Weger, Harry

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Nicholson School of Communication

Degree Program

Communication

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0003078

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0003078

Language

English

Release Date

May 2010

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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Included in

Communication Commons

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