CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Don’t Phub With Me: Self-Esteem, Perceived Rejection and Interpersonal Connections
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology ABA
Minor
Spanish
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Criminal Justice
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Jana Hackathorn
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Purpose. Phubbing occurs when an individual chooses to engage their phone while simultaneously, or instead of, interacting with another person in the same physical space (Allred et al., 2024; Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2016; Sun et al., 2021). The act of phubbing introduces attributions that one partner makes about the other partner and influences perceptions (Allred et al., 2024). Although there are many reasons to engage in phubbing (e.g., emergencies, multi-tasking), research suggests phubbing has a negative relationship with perceived communication quality and relationship satisfaction (Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2018) and a positive association with friends’ depression and social anxiety (Sun et al., 2021). This study will further examine the relationship between phubbing and interpersonal connectedness in a real-world environment. It is predicted that following being phubbed, individuals will report temporarily reduced self-esteem, hindered interpersonal connections, higher levels of perceived rejection, and more negative perceptions of the phubber.
Procedure. Data collection for a two-part study is ongoing. First, participants (n=99) complete pre-measures online that measure phubbing (Generic Scale of Phubbing and the Generic Scale of Being Phubbed Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2018), self-consciousness (Self-Consciousness Scale, Scheier et al., 1985), entitlement (Psychological Entitlement Scale Campbell et al., 2004) and a measure of global self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Rosenberg, 1979). Then, participants come to the lab (ncurrent =14) where they participate in a communication activity with a confederate (unknowingly). The activity asks participants to disclose childhood memories related to a series of five images (e.g., playground). Throughout the activity, the confederate will engage in phubbing behaviors that increase in frequency and time. Following the activity, participants complete measures of self-esteem (State Self-Esteem Scale; Heatherton et al.,1991), inclusivity (Inclusion of the Other in the Self (IOS); Aron et al., 1992), communication perceptions (Need Threat Scale, Gerber et al., 2017) and partner trait perceptions (Ideal Standards Scale, Regan, 1998).
Expected results. First, we expect to find a drop between the pre- and post-standardized scores of self-esteem. Then, correlational analyses should indicate relationships between state self-esteem and IOS, communication, rejection, and perceived partner’s traits following the phubbing interaction. Lastly, we will explore whether phubbing attitudes are predictive of scores after being phubbed.
Conclusion and Implications. Although scarce, studies show phubbing has negative interpersonal consequences. The purpose of the current study is to examine the phenomenon in an environment that might mimic the real world, furthering our current understanding of the implications of this new societal norm.
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Don’t Phub With Me: Self-Esteem, Perceived Rejection and Interpersonal Connections
Purpose. Phubbing occurs when an individual chooses to engage their phone while simultaneously, or instead of, interacting with another person in the same physical space (Allred et al., 2024; Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2016; Sun et al., 2021). The act of phubbing introduces attributions that one partner makes about the other partner and influences perceptions (Allred et al., 2024). Although there are many reasons to engage in phubbing (e.g., emergencies, multi-tasking), research suggests phubbing has a negative relationship with perceived communication quality and relationship satisfaction (Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2018) and a positive association with friends’ depression and social anxiety (Sun et al., 2021). This study will further examine the relationship between phubbing and interpersonal connectedness in a real-world environment. It is predicted that following being phubbed, individuals will report temporarily reduced self-esteem, hindered interpersonal connections, higher levels of perceived rejection, and more negative perceptions of the phubber.
Procedure. Data collection for a two-part study is ongoing. First, participants (n=99) complete pre-measures online that measure phubbing (Generic Scale of Phubbing and the Generic Scale of Being Phubbed Chotpitayasunondh et al., 2018), self-consciousness (Self-Consciousness Scale, Scheier et al., 1985), entitlement (Psychological Entitlement Scale Campbell et al., 2004) and a measure of global self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Rosenberg, 1979). Then, participants come to the lab (ncurrent =14) where they participate in a communication activity with a confederate (unknowingly). The activity asks participants to disclose childhood memories related to a series of five images (e.g., playground). Throughout the activity, the confederate will engage in phubbing behaviors that increase in frequency and time. Following the activity, participants complete measures of self-esteem (State Self-Esteem Scale; Heatherton et al.,1991), inclusivity (Inclusion of the Other in the Self (IOS); Aron et al., 1992), communication perceptions (Need Threat Scale, Gerber et al., 2017) and partner trait perceptions (Ideal Standards Scale, Regan, 1998).
Expected results. First, we expect to find a drop between the pre- and post-standardized scores of self-esteem. Then, correlational analyses should indicate relationships between state self-esteem and IOS, communication, rejection, and perceived partner’s traits following the phubbing interaction. Lastly, we will explore whether phubbing attitudes are predictive of scores after being phubbed.
Conclusion and Implications. Although scarce, studies show phubbing has negative interpersonal consequences. The purpose of the current study is to examine the phenomenon in an environment that might mimic the real world, furthering our current understanding of the implications of this new societal norm.