Till Phone Do Us Part: The Role of Phubbing in Relationship Satisfaction and Self-Esteem

Abstract

Being distracted by the mobile phone while interacting with a love partner poses a negative threat to well-being. The present study focused on researching the correlation between phubbing, relationship satisfaction and self-esteem with the use of age and relationship length as mediators among 200 adults, men and women, in informal relationships and marriages. In regards to phubbing, two dimensions, “communication disturbance” and “phone obsession” were taken into consideration. Methods used include the Phubbing Scale, the Self-Esteem Scale, and the Relationship Assessment Scale. Women and participants in informal relationships were found to be characterized by a higher phone obsession. The findings also revealed that married couples are shown to have a higher self-esteem and a longer relationship tenure. Phubbing was found to have a negative correlation with both self-esteem and relationship satisfaction. Results have also shown gender differences and differences based on the type of relationship regarding the extent and power of correlations. Age, relationship length, self-esteem and relationship satisfaction were proven to be significant predictors of phubbing behaviour. The paper shows the impact of intrusive phone use on the quality of our lives and suggests new directions for research.

Keywords

• phubbing
• self-esteem
• relationship satisfaction
• relationship length
• relationship type
• gender