Social networking infidelity: Understanding the impact and exploring rules and boundaries in intimate partner relationships by Jaclyn D. Cravens, B.S., M.S. A Dissertation In MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Jason B. Whiting, Ph.D. ---Chair Doug Smith, Ph. D. Nicole Springer, Ph.D. Katherine Hertlein, Ph.D. Dominick J. Casadonte, Jr. Interim Dean of the Graduate School August, 2013 © 2013 Jaclyn D. Cravens Texas Tech University, Jaclyn D. Cravens, August 2013 Acknowledgments “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” Sandra Day O’Connor The completion of this dissertation represents a journey that was five years in the making; I have no doubt however, that this project and what its conclusion represents is something that was a lifetime in the making, influenced by each thread in the tapestry of my life’s journey. This means I have many people to recognize and share my gratitude with for their role in helping me weave this project together. First and foremost I have to thank my mother, Dana Binder, for teaching me that passion should always be the driving force behind my life pursuits. It is because of you that I was confident in pursuing a career that both challenges and rewards me daily. My hope is that I can influence others’ lives as positively as you have influenced mine. To my family, despite an ever-increasing geographical distance, your love and support has always been felt. To my major advisor, mentor, and chair, Dr. Jason Whiting, I will forever be grateful for your endless support during my time at Texas Tech--both near and far. Over the past three years you have supported all of my pursuits and helped me establish my career above and beyond your professional obligations. Your support, guidance, and kindness created an environment where I could succeed. Most importantly, thank you for ii Texas Tech University, Jaclyn D. Cravens, August 2013 reminding me that at the most difficult times I need only to breathe. It has been a gift to work for and with someone who shares value in maintaining a balance in life. To my Texas Tech dissertation committee: Dr. Douglas Smith and Dr. Nicole Springer thank you both for all the investments you have made in my personal life and professional career. I could not have asked to pursue my doctorate under a more talented, compassionate, and dedicated group of faculty. I have learned so much under both of your instruction and I hope I can recreate the same learning environment that you provided me at Tech with my own students. Dr. Katherine Hertlein, I am so grateful that you agreed to be a part of this process. Knowing you were right down the hall was a saving reassurance during this process. Additionally, thank you for paving the way into the study of couple and family technology. Not everyone can say that their dissertation committee was made up of one of the founding researchers in their area of study—I feel privileged to be able to say I did. As this project comes to a close, I have no doubt this will be the first of many future collaboration. Five years of graduate school are coming to a close and I fail to find the correct words to express thanks to my partner and best friend, Justin Pickens. I have no doubt that Texas Tech was exactly where I was supposed to be, for it brought me to you. Your love, support, and friendship will always outshine any academic accomplishment, for this I feel truly lucky. Thank you for your willingness to go wherever this journey takes us; I cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds. iii Texas Tech University, Jaclyn D. Cravens, August 2013 Finally, to Dr. Keeley Pratt, who provided me with my first glimpse into the world of Couple and Family Therapy, and Dr. Mark White, who was the first to entertain and support my pursuit of Facebook research, your friendship and mentorship have far exceeded the obligations of my time at East Carolina University. Thank you for laying the foundation of my success as a CFT. I know a large part of my professional success is the result of your unyielding support. iv Texas Tech University, Jaclyn D. Cravens, August 2013 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. ii Abstract ............................................................................................................................ viii List of Tables .......................................................................................................................x Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter ..........................................................................................1 Internet and Relationships....................................................................................................1 Theoretical Orientation ........................................................................................................5 Ecological influences ...............................................................................................6 Changes to structure .................................................................................................6 Changes to process ...................................................................................................6 Overview of dissertation ......................................................................................................8 Purpose of the Proposed Studies ..........................................................................................8 Significance of the Proposed Studies ...................................................................................9 Chapter 2: Clinical Implications of Facebook Infidelity ...................................................11 Abstract ..............................................................................................................................11 Introduction ........................................................................................................................12 Defining Offline and Online Infidelity ..............................................................................14 Defining Facebook Infidelity .............................................................................................15 Internet Infidelity: Is it cheating? .......................................................................................17 Facebook: Does it facilitate affairs? ..................................................................................19 Motivational Factors for Internet Infidelity .......................................................................20 Motivational Factors for Facebook Infidelity ....................................................................21 Impact of Internet Infidelity ...............................................................................................22 Impact of Facebook Infidelity ............................................................................................24 Online Boundaries and Rules.............................................................................................25 Facebook Boundaries and Rules ........................................................................................26 Discussion and Implications ..............................................................................................27 Clinical Implications ..............................................................................................28 v Texas Tech University, Jaclyn D. Cravens, August 2013 Future Research .....................................................................................................31 Chapter 3: Facebook infidelity: A story completion method.............................................34 Abstract ..............................................................................................................................34 Introduction ........................................................................................................................36 Purpose of Study ................................................................................................................37 Method ...............................................................................................................................38 Data Collection ......................................................................................................38 Sample Characteristics ...........................................................................................39 Measures ................................................................................................................41 Demographics ........................................................................................................41 Story completion method .......................................................................................41 Data Analysis .........................................................................................................42 Results ................................................................................................................................44 Interpretation of cue story ......................................................................................44 Denial