ERIC Number: EJ993896
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Aug
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Computer-Mediated Communication with Distant Friends: Relations with Adjustment during Students' First Semester in College
Ranney, John D.; Troop-Gordon, Wendy
Journal of Educational Psychology, v104 n3 p848-861 Aug 2012
Because of recent technological innovations, college freshmen can readily communicate with friends who they see infrequently (e.g., friends from home). The current study addressed whether computer-mediated communication with these distant friends can compensate for a lack of high-quality on-campus friendships during students' first semester of college. Data were collected from 242 freshmen (140 female, M[subscript age] = 18.4) at midsemester and 1 month later. At low levels of face-to-face friendship quality, computer-mediated communication with distant friends predicted lower levels of emotional distress. Furthermore, when face-to-face friendship quality was low, depressive affect predicted higher levels of subsequent computer-mediated communication with distant friends. Relations with adjustment also depended on the quality of distant friendships. Implications for helping students transition to college are addressed. (Contains 4 tables and 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Information Technology, Adolescents, Computer Mediated Communication, Friendship, College Freshmen, Student Adjustment, Prediction, Emotional Disturbances, Depression (Psychology), Emotional Adjustment, Statistical Analysis
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A