The Impact of Texting on Perceptions of Face-to-Face Communication in Couples in Different Relationship Stages. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novak, Joshua R.; Sandberg, Jonathan G.; Jeffrey, Aaron J.; Young-Davis, Stephanie
• Is Part Of: Journal of couple & relationship therapy. Volume 15:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: assessment of couple relationships -- marriage/couple relationship functioning -- marriage risk factors; Marital psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Couples therapy -- Periodicals; 616.891562
• DOI: 10.1080/15332691.2015.1062452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-2691

Abstract

Abstract : The authors examine both actor and partner effects of the use of texting on face-to-face communication behaviors in three groups: dating couples (n = 1, 217), engaged couples (n = 2, 167), and married couples (n = 1, 336). Data were taken from the RELATE project (www.relateinstitute.org ). Overall, the more an individual used texting to discuss serious issues, broach confrontational subjects, and apologize, the more conflictual face-to-face communication behaviors existed for both themselves and their partners. Similar partner effects were found. When couples used texting to express affection, the less conflictual face-to-face communication behaviors existed for both partners. Clinical implications will be discussed.