Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Melanie M. Domenech Rodriguez

Committee

Melanie M. Domenech Rodriguez

Committee

Renée V. Galliher

Committee

Scott C. Bates

Abstract

Transitioning to college can be difficult. While some individuals choose to attend a college that is local to their home, others move away from their family and friends to
attend their college of choice. This move adds additional stress to the already stressful nature of attending college. Research suggests that having social support can help with this additional stressor. However, individuals who move away from their family and friends may have difficulty receiving social support in their new, unfamiliar environment.

Facebook is a well-known, widely used form of social media with a significant number of users worldwide. College students spend a significant amount of time on their Facebook accounts interacting with individuals whom they already know. These interactions may be a good way for transitioning college students to remain connected to their family and friends, even when not in close proximity, until they are able to build a support system in their new surroundings. Relational regulation theory suggests that the link between social support and mental health comes from ordinary conversations and shared activities with relationally meaningful individuals. This study tested whether relational regulation theory could hold true through Facebook interactions. Results indicated that social support can occur through Facebook interactions.
Positive affect was higher for participants receiving social support from individuals with whom they had a more positive relationship as compared to individuals with whom they did not feel as connected to. In addition, positive affect was lowest for individuals who were expecting to receive social support but received none.

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Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on 3/2013

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