Graduation Term

2020

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Daniel G Lannin

Abstract

Previous research demonstrates that ruminating on social media content is associated with greater mental distress (Yang, Holden, Carter, & Webb, 2018). However, it is unclear what factors are associated with rumination. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework, this study examined how materialistic value orientation (MVO) predicted social media rumination in a sample of racially and socioeconomically diverse high school students at two waves of time. Those who are more materialistic value the means by which to gain possessions, and extrinsic life-goals associated with MVO are aimed at garnering external reinforcers such as money and social status (Richins & Dawson, 1992; Deci & Ryan, 2000). MVO and social media rumination were measured at Wave 1 and again four months later at Wave 2, as testing these variables’ relationships over time allows for bidirectional data that can inform how MVO impacts social media rumination and the opposite. A cross-lag analysis of social media rumination and MVO among 119 adolescents enrolled in a relationship education program indicated those with higher MVO at Wave 1 were more likely to ruminate over their social media more at Wave 2 than those with lower MVO at Wave 1. These findings suggest interventions targeting life-goal orientation and rumination among adolescents are warranted.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2020.20210309065832404197.92

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