A Test of the Mobile Phone Appropriation Model

This study tested the generalizability of the mobile phone appropriation model to the United States with the aim of enhancing theorization about mobile communication. Associations between the theoretical constructs in the model were examined with structural equation modeling and mediation analyses. Meta-communication was associated with all four dimensions of behavioral evaluations (i.e., functional, symbolic, normative, and restrictive). Some behavioral evaluations were associated with mobile phones' usage patterns (i.e., functional and symbolic), with normative evaluations emerging as an important predictor of all usage aspects. These results shed light on the MPA theoretical framework, its parsimony, and potential revisions needed.

Automated summary

This study tested the applicability of the mobile phone appropriation model in the United States and aimed to enhance the theoretical understanding of mobile communication. Using structural equation modeling and mediation analyses, the associations between theoretical constructs were examined. The study found that meta-communication was associated with all dimensions of behavioral evaluations, and normative evaluations were an important predictor of mobile phone usage aspects. These findings shed light on the MPA theoretical framework and suggest potential revisions.