How do couples' attachment style and level of differentiation affect jealousy as related to Facebook usage

Facebook has become a common medium for social interaction, and the unique nature of Facebook may cause jealousy in relationships that would not have originally been present. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects Facebook may have on couple relationships and what characteristics of the individuals in the couple cause them to think their access to their partner's social activities and interactions enhances or hinders their intimacy. Specifically, the researchers looked at attachment and differentiation of self. Participants were recruited through Facebook and asked to complete a survey that consisted of 5 instruments that measure attachment, differentiation, Facebook use, Facebook jealousy, and Facebook relationship enhancement. The sample population consisted of 201 participants who were currently in a relationship and had access to their partner's Facebook profile. The results indicated that differentiation of self and anxiety-related attachment were the greatest predictors of Facebook jealousy, with high correlations of Facebook jealousy to the other independent variables. Demographic variables such as education and ethnicity were predictors as well.