The relationship between phubbing and satisfaction in romantic relationships

Abstract

Introduction. Modern technologies is changing the dynamics of romantic relationships, with phubbing (ignoring a partner due to phone use) emerging as a common issue. As research on its link to relationship satisfaction remains mixed, this study aimed to examine the connection between partner phubbing and romantic relationship satisfaction. Methods. The study was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 with 200 adults (aged 18–64) in romantic relationship. Data were collected using paper questionnaires in public places across Kaunas and Kaunas County. Measures included phubbing and relationship satisfaction scales, questions about phubbing, open questions about emotional responses, perceived reasons, and relationship characteristics, socio-demographics. Univariate and bivariate analyses performed, including normality testing, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman‘s (ρ) correlation. Results. The level of phubbing was average (24.3 out of 45 points). It mostly occurred when the partner kept the phone in sight (29.5%) or checked it in the middle of a conversation (29%). Half of the participants described their emotional response as neutral (50%), with moderate intensity (48.5%). Qualitative analysis revealed four emotional categories: positive, neutral, negative and other. There were three main reasons for phubbing: personal, interpersonal and other priorities. Mutual attachment showed weaker negative correlations with frequent phone (ρ = –0.28, p < 0,001) and in person communication (ρ = –0.16, p = 0.026). A weak negative correlation was found between partner phubbing and overall satisfaction with romantic relationship (ρ = –0.28, p < 0.001), emotional expression (ρ = –0.29, p < 0.001) and interaction dynamics (ρ = –0.23, p < 0.001). Conclusions. More frequent partner phubbing is linked to lower overall relationship satisfaction, emotional expression and couple interaction dynamics.