Motivations Behind Public Displays of Affection on Facebook
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Producer
Director
Performer
Choreographer
Costume Designer
Music
Videographer
Lighting Designer
Set Designer
Crew Member
Funder
Rehearsal Director
Concert Coordinator
Advisor
Moderator
Panelist
Alternative Title
Department
Haverford College. Department of Psychology
Type
Thesis
Original Format
Running Time
File Format
Place of Publication
Date Span
Copyright Date
Award
Language
eng
Note
Table of Contents
Terms of Use
Rights Holder
Access Restrictions
Haverford users only
Terms of Use
Tripod URL
Identifier
Abstract
The present research considers the various relational, individual, and motivational processes involved in romantic partners' public displays of affection (PDA) on Facebook. Several theoretical frameworks within social and personality psychology guided the formation of six mediated hypotheses. In each of these models, a personality or relational variable is predicting the use of PDA, with each respective association mediated by a motivational factor. Data were collected from individuals in relationships who were active Facebook users. Results indicated that a majority of the mediated models received at least partial support, and exploratory analyses found support for openness, partner assurances, and self-verification as the most notable motivations predicting PDA. The implications of these findings on the potential role of PDA within relationship maintenance are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.