Date: 2024-11-14

Degree: Doctoral Thesis

Programme: Doctor of Psychology

Authors: Leong Brochado Sin U

Supervisors: Professor Vitor Santos Teixeira, University of Saint Joseph

Abstract:

A greater amount of existing literature suggests that personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as smartphones, are detrimental to individuals in different aspects; a smaller amount of existing literature looks at the positive impacts of PEDs. Also, most of the literature used a quantitative approach, whereas very few of them used qualitative and mixed methods approaches. Based on my observation and experience, and talking to some young adults, it seems that what the existing literature suggests may not be truly revealing what is actually happening nowadays. With this, the present study was conducted to answer the questions: 1) What is young adults’ PED use? 2) How does PED use affect (associate with) young adults’ development? 

The present study used explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, with quantitative survey conducted first, and then followed by qualitative interviews in which questions were developed based on the findings in the quantitative phase. A sample of 736 undergraduates from five universities in Macau (M = 21.9, SD = 4.1) participated in quantitative phase, and a subsample of 13 participants from quantitative phase participated in the qualitative phase interviews. Respondents’ scores on a self-report measure of personal electronic device (PED) use were compared sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, gender, maternal language, and type of family). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. 

Quantitative results showed that PED use is a continuous and integral part of young adults’ daily lives in Macau. Increased internet use and specific activities correlate with developmental outcomes, but only extreme use is associated with negative outcomes. Interaction and communication with others are key to happiness, regardless of call duration. Using diverse devices relates to less smartphone addiction and more happiness and social satisfaction, but mobile phones and laptops are not linked to positive or negative outcomes. PED use itself is not harmful; it is only problematic when used excessively. 

Qualitative results showed that PED use is an integral part of young adults’ daily lives in Macao due to the powerful characteristics of PEDs that enable various tasks (Theme 1), and the necessity of PED use across different contexts and with different people (Theme 2). PEDs are used for fundamental purposes like communication, productivity, and psychosocial needs (Theme 3), leading to both positive and negative impacts on individuals’ lives (Theme 4). PED use is a spectrum, not a dichotomy, distinguished by factors like maladaptation, compulsivity, overuse, and attachment (Theme 5). This qualitative study deepens the understanding of PED use beyond the quantitative findings. 

By linking and integrating quantitative and qualitative data and applied the theoretical framework of the present study, an extension of the bioecological theory, cloudsystem is proposed. It is believed that the cloudsystem contributes to a better understanding of the person in this specific moment of human’s existence. Practical implications, strengths and limitations of the study, suggestions for future studies were also discussed. 

Keywords: cloudsystem, young adults, smartphone, electronic devices, developmental outcomes, explanatory sequential mixed methods design