Attachment styles as predictors of Facebook-related jealousy and surveillance in romantic relationships

Abstract

Facebook has become ubiquitous over the past five years, yet few studies have examined its role within romantic relationships. In two studies, we tested attachment anxiety and avoidance as predictors of Facebook-related jealousy and surveillance (i.e., checking a romantic partner’s Facebook page). Study 1 found that anxiety was positively associated, and avoidance negatively associated, with Facebook jealousy and surveillance. The association of anxiety with Facebook jealousy was mediated in part by lower trust. Study 2 replicated this finding, and daily diary results further showed that over a one-week period, anxiety was positively associated, and avoidance negatively associated, with Facebook surveillance. The association of anxiety with greater surveillance was mediated in part by daily experiences of jealousy.