Technology in Relationships and Satisfaction: Nationality as a Moderator

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2-2021

Publication Title

International Journal of Systemic Therapy

Volume

32

Issue

3

First page number:

229

Last page number:

244

Abstract

Technology as a communication medium now functions as a core way to connect to peers, family members, and romantic partners independent of time and location. These technologies help us to initiate relationships and maintain them, but also can introduce complications such as connection to others outside of our relationships and take time away from relationships. The purpose of this study was to test a model proposing a moderating effect of nationality on the link between technology in relationships and satisfaction. In a cross-sectional study of 658 American and 503 Austrian adults (n = 1161), participants who were in a committed relationship for at least 6 months completed a survey assessing their use of technology, how their use of technology affected their relationships, their nationality, and their relationship satisfaction. Results indicated a significant effect for nationality on couple satisfaction. Implications for cultural understandings of technology in relationships and their effect on couple satisfaction include the therapist developing an understanding of each person’s future around technology use and to inform their assessment around how each member’s use of technology supports or detracts from relationship satisfaction.

Keywords

Couples; Intimacy; Relationship satisfaction; Technology

Disciplines

Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling

Language

English

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