Natalie Pennington
Biographic Data
| ID | 232982 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Natalie Pennington |
| GIVEN NAMES | Natalie |
| FAMILY NAME | Pennington |
| SIGNATURE | PENNINGTON N |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Kansas |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-3256-843X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 18 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 49 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 18 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2013 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Quality Conversation Can Increase Daily Well-Being
The associations among the frequency and quality of social interactions and in-the-moment and global well-being have been well-documented. Fewer studies explore whether the content of social interactions is associated with well-being using experimental methods. Drawing from the communicate bond belong theory, seven candidate communication episodes and behaviors were identified. In three studies, participants ( N Study 1 = 347, N Study 2 = 310, N …
What Friendship Characteristics Are Associated With Well‐Being Among Unpartnered Individuals in the United States
This paper replicates and extends prior work that demonstrated the general importance of friendships for maintaining well‐being, with a focus on unpartnered/single individuals. Using data from two quota samples of U.S. adults ( N single2022 = 552, N single2023 = 391), we systematically examined how 10 theoretically derived characteristics of single people's friendships are associated with three aspects of well‐being (i.e., life satisfaction, lone…
How change in sociality over time moderates the association between mobile and social media use and well-being
Mobile and social media are often identified as a means of enhancing social connection for those who wish to connect. In line with research on relational maintenance and the communicate bond belong theory, a need for connection can drive individuals to reach out to relational partners through mobile and social media, which might boost overall well-being. Using 3 longitudinal datasets that differ by time period (i.e., 6 years, 1 year, 1 month) and…
What's in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being
While romantic relationships are often perceived as a significant milestone, there is increasing evidence of the value of friends within one's network. The present study explored an often-overlooked intersection between romantic relationships and friendships: people who view their romantic partner as their best friend. Utilizing the convoy model of social relations, this study drew from a sample of adult Americans ( N = 940) surveyed about their …
Adult sibling relationships and media multiplexity theory
Sibling relationships are among the longest-lasting relationships in people's lives. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including voice calls, texting, and social media, help adult siblings keep in touch. The present study tests media multiplexity theory (MMT) in the context of adult sibling relationships. In the first study, a quota sample of American adults completed several name listing tasks to identify their most important re…
Social interaction, support preferences, and the use of wearable health trackers
Introduction Drawing on uses and gratifications theory, social cognitive theory, and related work, this research assessed how social factors relate to reported weekly use and behavioral intentions toward the use of wearable health trackers (WHT). Methods Through two studies we surveyed current users of WHT, including smartwatches, to better understand what factors encouraged engagement. Study One ( N = 333) consisted of a college student sample. …
Examining How Social and Emotional Factors Inform Response to Cross-Cutting Political Views on Social Media
While social media creates the opportunity for exposure and engagement with cross-cutting political views, they may not always be well-received. Drawing on research related to tie strength, the need to belong, and affective intelligence theory, the present study examined how a combination of social and emotional factors informed how social media users respond to exposure to cross-cutting political views. Survey participants ( N = 288) were presen…
Thriving or struggling? Social energy expenditure and patterns of interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic
Experts warned of increased stress for people confined at home during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, increased time spent communicating with loved ones may have had benefits, depending on the type of interactions and social energy they required. Using communicate bond belong (CBB) theory, we examined relationships between social energy expenditure and four outcomes: interaction satisfaction, loneliness, and feelings of being …
Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong
This investigation uses the two-process model of needs to explore differences between face-to-face communication and interpersonal media in terms of belongingness need satisfaction. Using experience sampling methods, Study 1 (N = 117) explored change in feelings of loneliness and connection from interpersonal media use within a day. Study 2 (N = 1,747) examined the association between loneliness and life satisfaction as mediated by patterns of in…
Engaging in Political Talk on Facebook
The decision to engage in informal political talk within one’s interpersonal network is not easily undertaken, particularly when that communication takes place through social networking sites (SNSs). This study explored motivations for engaging in informal political talk on the SNS, Facebook. Results suggest that those who are motivated by interpersonally focused goals online (i.e., relationship resource, affect management, and identity goals) ar…
An examination of relational maintenance and dissolution through social networking sites
Does Facebook-enabled communication influence weak-tie relationships over time? A longitudinal investigation into mediated relationship maintenance
Although presumed to be a means of maintaining relationships, there is limited empirical evidence whether relationships are actually maintained over time by Facebook-enabled communication. Drawing on communicate bond belong theory, we focus on the most common Facebook friends: weak ties. Adult (N = 174) participants completed three waves of data collection each a month apart, reporting on three non-kin relationships: one with routine Facebook com…
Is Civility Contagious? Examining the Impact of Modeling in Online Political Discussions
This study examines a way to promote civility in online political discussions through modeling discursive cues. An online experiment ( N = 321) was conducted to investigate the impact of civil and uncivil discursive cues on participants’ mode of discussion. Results show that participants who were exposed to civil cues were more likely to engage in civil discourse themselves, stay on-topic, and offer additional perspectives in their comments. We a…
An analysis of humor orientation on Facebook
This article presents the results of a mixed method analysis of the use and perception of humor orientation (HO) on Facebook (FB) profiles (
Social Media and Democracy
Impression management and formation on Facebook
To extend research on online impression formation and warranting theory, the present investigation reports a Brunswick lens model analysis of Facebook profiles. Facebook users’ ( n = 100) personality (i.e. extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness) was self-reported. Facebook users’ profiles were then content analyzed for the presence and rate of 53 cues. Observers ( n = 35), who were strangers to profile owners, estim…
You Don't De-Friend the Dead
This research examined how various members of a social network interact with the Facebook (FB) profile page of a friend who has died. From 43 in-depth qualitative interviews, FB friends of deceased FB users maintained their FB connection with the deceased. Most participants who visited the profile found it helpful to look at pictures; a few wrote messages to the deceased as a coping mechanism. In some instances, a spouse or parent controlled the …
Facebook Democracy
You Don't De-Friend the Dead
This research examined how various members of a social network interact with the Facebook (FB) profile page of a friend who has died. From 43 in-depth qualitative interviews, FB friends of deceased FB users maintained their FB connection with the deceased. Most participants who visited the profile found it helpful to look at pictures; a few wrote messages to the deceased as a coping mechanism. In some instances, a spouse or parent controlled the …
Impression management and formation on Facebook
To extend research on online impression formation and warranting theory, the present investigation reports a Brunswick lens model analysis of Facebook profiles. Facebook users’ ( n = 100) personality (i.e. extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness) was self-reported. Facebook users’ profiles were then content analyzed for the presence and rate of 53 cues. Observers ( n = 35), who were strangers to profile owners, estim…
Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong
This investigation uses the two-process model of needs to explore differences between face-to-face communication and interpersonal media in terms of belongingness need satisfaction. Using experience sampling methods, Study 1 (N = 117) explored change in feelings of loneliness and connection from interpersonal media use within a day. Study 2 (N = 1,747) examined the association between loneliness and life satisfaction as mediated by patterns of in…
Does Facebook-enabled communication influence weak-tie relationships over time? A longitudinal investigation into mediated relationship maintenance
Although presumed to be a means of maintaining relationships, there is limited empirical evidence whether relationships are actually maintained over time by Facebook-enabled communication. Drawing on communicate bond belong theory, we focus on the most common Facebook friends: weak ties. Adult (N = 174) participants completed three waves of data collection each a month apart, reporting on three non-kin relationships: one with routine Facebook com…
Adult sibling relationships and media multiplexity theory
Sibling relationships are among the longest-lasting relationships in people's lives. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including voice calls, texting, and social media, help adult siblings keep in touch. The present study tests media multiplexity theory (MMT) in the context of adult sibling relationships. In the first study, a quota sample of American adults completed several name listing tasks to identify their most important re…
Is Civility Contagious? Examining the Impact of Modeling in Online Political Discussions
This study examines a way to promote civility in online political discussions through modeling discursive cues. An online experiment ( N = 321) was conducted to investigate the impact of civil and uncivil discursive cues on participants’ mode of discussion. Results show that participants who were exposed to civil cues were more likely to engage in civil discourse themselves, stay on-topic, and offer additional perspectives in their comments. We a…
An analysis of humor orientation on Facebook
This article presents the results of a mixed method analysis of the use and perception of humor orientation (HO) on Facebook (FB) profiles (
What's in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being
While romantic relationships are often perceived as a significant milestone, there is increasing evidence of the value of friends within one's network. The present study explored an often-overlooked intersection between romantic relationships and friendships: people who view their romantic partner as their best friend. Utilizing the convoy model of social relations, this study drew from a sample of adult Americans ( N = 940) surveyed about their …
Impression management and formation on Facebook
To extend research on online impression formation and warranting theory, the present investigation reports a Brunswick lens model analysis of Facebook profiles. Facebook users’ ( n = 100) personality (i.e. extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness) was self-reported. Facebook users’ profiles were then content analyzed for the presence and rate of 53 cues. Observers ( n = 35), who were strangers to profile owners, estim…
You Don't De-Friend the Dead
This research examined how various members of a social network interact with the Facebook (FB) profile page of a friend who has died. From 43 in-depth qualitative interviews, FB friends of deceased FB users maintained their FB connection with the deceased. Most participants who visited the profile found it helpful to look at pictures; a few wrote messages to the deceased as a coping mechanism. In some instances, a spouse or parent controlled the …
Facebook Democracy
An analysis of humor orientation on Facebook
This article presents the results of a mixed method analysis of the use and perception of humor orientation (HO) on Facebook (FB) profiles (
Social Media and Democracy
Is Civility Contagious? Examining the Impact of Modeling in Online Political Discussions
This study examines a way to promote civility in online political discussions through modeling discursive cues. An online experiment ( N = 321) was conducted to investigate the impact of civil and uncivil discursive cues on participants’ mode of discussion. Results show that participants who were exposed to civil cues were more likely to engage in civil discourse themselves, stay on-topic, and offer additional perspectives in their comments. We a…
An examination of relational maintenance and dissolution through social networking sites
Does Facebook-enabled communication influence weak-tie relationships over time? A longitudinal investigation into mediated relationship maintenance
Although presumed to be a means of maintaining relationships, there is limited empirical evidence whether relationships are actually maintained over time by Facebook-enabled communication. Drawing on communicate bond belong theory, we focus on the most common Facebook friends: weak ties. Adult (N = 174) participants completed three waves of data collection each a month apart, reporting on three non-kin relationships: one with routine Facebook com…
Engaging in Political Talk on Facebook
The decision to engage in informal political talk within one’s interpersonal network is not easily undertaken, particularly when that communication takes place through social networking sites (SNSs). This study explored motivations for engaging in informal political talk on the SNS, Facebook. Results suggest that those who are motivated by interpersonally focused goals online (i.e., relationship resource, affect management, and identity goals) ar…
Thriving or struggling? Social energy expenditure and patterns of interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic
Experts warned of increased stress for people confined at home during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, increased time spent communicating with loved ones may have had benefits, depending on the type of interactions and social energy they required. Using communicate bond belong (CBB) theory, we examined relationships between social energy expenditure and four outcomes: interaction satisfaction, loneliness, and feelings of being …
Which mediated social interactions satisfy the need to belong
This investigation uses the two-process model of needs to explore differences between face-to-face communication and interpersonal media in terms of belongingness need satisfaction. Using experience sampling methods, Study 1 (N = 117) explored change in feelings of loneliness and connection from interpersonal media use within a day. Study 2 (N = 1,747) examined the association between loneliness and life satisfaction as mediated by patterns of in…
Social interaction, support preferences, and the use of wearable health trackers
Introduction Drawing on uses and gratifications theory, social cognitive theory, and related work, this research assessed how social factors relate to reported weekly use and behavioral intentions toward the use of wearable health trackers (WHT). Methods Through two studies we surveyed current users of WHT, including smartwatches, to better understand what factors encouraged engagement. Study One ( N = 333) consisted of a college student sample. …
Examining How Social and Emotional Factors Inform Response to Cross-Cutting Political Views on Social Media
While social media creates the opportunity for exposure and engagement with cross-cutting political views, they may not always be well-received. Drawing on research related to tie strength, the need to belong, and affective intelligence theory, the present study examined how a combination of social and emotional factors informed how social media users respond to exposure to cross-cutting political views. Survey participants ( N = 288) were presen…
Adult sibling relationships and media multiplexity theory
Sibling relationships are among the longest-lasting relationships in people's lives. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including voice calls, texting, and social media, help adult siblings keep in touch. The present study tests media multiplexity theory (MMT) in the context of adult sibling relationships. In the first study, a quota sample of American adults completed several name listing tasks to identify their most important re…
Quality Conversation Can Increase Daily Well-Being
The associations among the frequency and quality of social interactions and in-the-moment and global well-being have been well-documented. Fewer studies explore whether the content of social interactions is associated with well-being using experimental methods. Drawing from the communicate bond belong theory, seven candidate communication episodes and behaviors were identified. In three studies, participants ( N Study 1 = 347, N Study 2 = 310, N …
What Friendship Characteristics Are Associated With Well‐Being Among Unpartnered Individuals in the United States
This paper replicates and extends prior work that demonstrated the general importance of friendships for maintaining well‐being, with a focus on unpartnered/single individuals. Using data from two quota samples of U.S. adults ( N single2022 = 552, N single2023 = 391), we systematically examined how 10 theoretically derived characteristics of single people's friendships are associated with three aspects of well‐being (i.e., life satisfaction, lone…
How change in sociality over time moderates the association between mobile and social media use and well-being
Mobile and social media are often identified as a means of enhancing social connection for those who wish to connect. In line with research on relational maintenance and the communicate bond belong theory, a need for connection can drive individuals to reach out to relational partners through mobile and social media, which might boost overall well-being. Using 3 longitudinal datasets that differ by time period (i.e., 6 years, 1 year, 1 month) and…
What's in a label? Exploring the intersection of relationships with best friends and romantic partners with well-being
While romantic relationships are often perceived as a significant milestone, there is increasing evidence of the value of friends within one's network. The present study explored an often-overlooked intersection between romantic relationships and friendships: people who view their romantic partner as their best friend. Utilizing the convoy model of social relations, this study drew from a sample of adult Americans ( N = 940) surveyed about their …
Psychology (15 works) · Social Psychology (13 works) · Impact of Technology on Adolescents (8 works) · Social Psychology (8 works) · Social Media and Politics (7 works) · Computer Science (6 works) · Social media (6 works) · Developmental psychology (5 works) · Political science (5 works) · Politics (5 works)