Out of Sight, Not Mind?: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Yondr Pouches and Student Well-Being

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Research Exploring Contextual Influences across the Lifespan: Grounded in Theories of Human Development

Abstract

We utilized a convergent mixed-methods approach (Creswell, 2015) to explore whether and how Yondr pouches—magnetically locking physical tools used for upholding in-school cellphone-free spaces—contribute to 7th grade students’ self-reported well-being. Drawing student surveys administered to 211 students across four Connecticut middle schools, we found that Yondr pouches had no statistically significant effect on student well-being. Qualitative findings from focus groups with 37 (70%) of 7th grade teachers working with these students, school observations, and open-ended student survey responses, provide insight into how and why Yondr pouches may minimize distraction and cellphone-related behavior issues in school, but not necessarily improve well-being. Implications for future research and school cellphone intervention development are discussed.

Authors

• Kathy Chau Rohn, University of New Hampshire

• Adam M. McCready, University of Connecticut

• Jennifer Phaiah, Sacred Heart University

• Kelly Farrell, UConn

• Alanna Torres-Laboy, University of Connecticut