CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Completed Projects
Pixels from pain: The connection between social media use and childhood trauma in romantic relationships
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis
Minor
Gender and Diversity Studies
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Jana Hackathorn
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Attending college provides opportunities for adult functioning and more socialization (Khrapatina and Berman, 2016). Moreover, college allows individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) a means of escaping potentially traumatic environments (Khrapatirna and Berman, 2016; Criddle et al. 2022). Most college students also use social media, another means of escapism, and many are at high risk for social media addictions or problematic levels of use (Abbasi, 2018). Current studies show that both childhood trauma and problematic social media use have negative implications for interpersonal relationships (Merz & Jak, 2013; Abbasi, 2018). However, it is unclear whether these two constructs may be related in some way that ultimately negatively influences romantic relationships.
The purpose of this study was to identify the possible relationships between relationship satisfaction and commitment with adverse childhood experiences and screen time on social media. Participants are still being collected in an online form, but roughly eighty-nine participants have been collected so far.
It is possible that college students may be less satisfied and/or committed in their current relationships if they are actively looking for means of escaping childhood trauma environments, especially when that escape is through high screen time use, especially on social media. This may suggest that problematic phone use is a coping mechanism with large relational consequences. Furthermore, these results could shine light on relational consequences that may result from experienced childhood trauma. Thus, the current study explores the relationships between childhood trauma, problematic social media use, and interpersonal factors, such as satisfaction and commitment.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Completed Projects
Pixels from pain: The connection between social media use and childhood trauma in romantic relationships
Attending college provides opportunities for adult functioning and more socialization (Khrapatina and Berman, 2016). Moreover, college allows individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) a means of escaping potentially traumatic environments (Khrapatirna and Berman, 2016; Criddle et al. 2022). Most college students also use social media, another means of escapism, and many are at high risk for social media addictions or problematic levels of use (Abbasi, 2018). Current studies show that both childhood trauma and problematic social media use have negative implications for interpersonal relationships (Merz & Jak, 2013; Abbasi, 2018). However, it is unclear whether these two constructs may be related in some way that ultimately negatively influences romantic relationships.
The purpose of this study was to identify the possible relationships between relationship satisfaction and commitment with adverse childhood experiences and screen time on social media. Participants are still being collected in an online form, but roughly eighty-nine participants have been collected so far.
It is possible that college students may be less satisfied and/or committed in their current relationships if they are actively looking for means of escaping childhood trauma environments, especially when that escape is through high screen time use, especially on social media. This may suggest that problematic phone use is a coping mechanism with large relational consequences. Furthermore, these results could shine light on relational consequences that may result from experienced childhood trauma. Thus, the current study explores the relationships between childhood trauma, problematic social media use, and interpersonal factors, such as satisfaction and commitment.