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The Power of Social Interaction in the Moment : Exploring the Associations of Social Interaction Frequency and Perceived Social Connectedness with Momentary Mood Among University Students
Bösker, H. (2025) The Power of Social Interaction in the Moment : Exploring the Associations of Social Interaction Frequency and Perceived Social Connectedness with Momentary Mood Among University Students.
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| Abstract: | This study examined how two dimensions of social interaction - social interaction frequency and perceived social connectedness - are associated with momentary mood among university students. A total of 33 students (Mage = 21.67) participated in an Experience Sampling Method (ESM) study, completing three daily questionnaires over 15 days. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a positive within-person association between social interaction frequency and momentary mood (b = .021, p = .038) and between perceived social connectedness and momentary mood (b = .65, p < .001). Perceived social connectedness had a significantly stronger within-person association with momentary mood than social interaction frequency (b = - .42, p < .001). As expected, the quality of social interactions appears more important for momentary mood enhancement than their quantity. The results suggest that perceived social connectedness considerably shapes students’ momentary mood. Future research should further investigate the identified associations, for instance, by conducting time-lagged or between-person analyses. Universities are recommended to enhance their students’ momentary mood through social events promoting social connectedness. Teaching staff is advised to make their students feel more connected during class through adjusted teaching strategies to improve their academic performance. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107027 |
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