Biological and Behavioral Impacts of Social Media Interactions amongst First-time Mothers

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Keywords

Social Comparison, Emotion, Cortisol, Sleep, Health Outcomes

Department

Psychology

Major

Psychology

Abstract

While all humans have an innate propensity to form meaningful relationships, new mothers have a unique need for support that often drives them to social networking sites designed for mothers (SNSM). Their interactions in these spaces influence their relational, mental, and physical health. With foundation in the social comparison theory, hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication, and allostatic load theory, we hypothesized that mothers who are regular users of SNSM and experience negative emotionality and upward social comparisons would exhibit higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of sleep quality. Study procedures include a baseline appointment and a 4-day monitoring period in which mothers collect samples of their saliva, complete surveys, and wear an actigraphy watch. Of the 47 women who contacted us, 66% of them qualified for the project. We aim to include 60 participants by the end of Fall 2019, and have currently reached 20% of that goal. Twelve participants have completely finished the protocol, yielding 158 momentary assessments. These participants are on average 31.5 years old (SD= 3.09), 75% white, 75% college graduates, and 92% married or cohabiting with someone. Following data collection, primary analyses will be conducted for each dependent variable measured within the study (i.e., cortisol and sleep) via linear and mixed regressions. We will present some preliminary data to this end.

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Joseph, Dr. Amaro, Dr. de los Santos

Funding Source or Research Program

Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative

Presentation Session

Session B

Location

Plaza Classroom 189

Start Date

29-3-2019 3:45 PM

End Date

29-3-2019 4:00 PM

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Mar 29th, 3:45 PM Mar 29th, 4:00 PM

Biological and Behavioral Impacts of Social Media Interactions amongst First-time Mothers

Plaza Classroom 189

While all humans have an innate propensity to form meaningful relationships, new mothers have a unique need for support that often drives them to social networking sites designed for mothers (SNSM). Their interactions in these spaces influence their relational, mental, and physical health. With foundation in the social comparison theory, hyperpersonal model of computer-mediated communication, and allostatic load theory, we hypothesized that mothers who are regular users of SNSM and experience negative emotionality and upward social comparisons would exhibit higher levels of cortisol and lower levels of sleep quality. Study procedures include a baseline appointment and a 4-day monitoring period in which mothers collect samples of their saliva, complete surveys, and wear an actigraphy watch. Of the 47 women who contacted us, 66% of them qualified for the project. We aim to include 60 participants by the end of Fall 2019, and have currently reached 20% of that goal. Twelve participants have completely finished the protocol, yielding 158 momentary assessments. These participants are on average 31.5 years old (SD= 3.09), 75% white, 75% college graduates, and 92% married or cohabiting with someone. Following data collection, primary analyses will be conducted for each dependent variable measured within the study (i.e., cortisol and sleep) via linear and mixed regressions. We will present some preliminary data to this end.