The impacts of motivational framing of technology restrictions on adolescent concealment: Evidence from a preregistered experimental study

Caregivers employ a range of motivational strategies to help regulate and protect adolescents using connective technologies. The present study explored a new conceptual model informed by self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan, 2000, Ryan and Deci, 2000) with a representative sample of 1000 adolescents recruited nationwide within Britain, and using a confirmatory, pre-registered and open science methodology. In this experimental study we compared controlling (pressuring, coercive, or punitive) styles of restricting technology with neutral, and autonomy-supportive (empathic, choice-promoting) styles of restricting to predict adolescents' concealing their technology use from caregivers. We further tested two mechanisms which might explain the links of condition and concealment: perceiving caregivers to be trusting, and experiencing reactance or the desire to do the opposite of what was instructed. Findings are discussed in terms of the role of regulation styles on interpersonal outcomes and adolescent development, and implications for technology use policy and recommendations to caregivers and teachers.