Absent Presence – Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Phubbing in Couples and Enhance Individual Well-Being

Abstract

Background: The disruptive use of smartphones in the presence of one’s partner (partner phubbing) represents a behavior associated with negative consequences for romantic relationships. Yet, intervention approaches to reduce phubbing in romantic relationships remain scarce. Aim: This study addresses this gap by examining the effectiveness of an individual planning intervention to reduce phubbing in romantic relationships while considering its impact on depression symptoms and life satisfaction as well as the mediating role of intimacy and interaction quality. Method: A randomized controlled planning intervention with three measurement points was conducted involving 208 individuals aged 18 to 65 living together with their partners. The control condition participants received information about phubbing whereas those in the intervention condition were instructed to formulate individual action and coping plans to reduce their phubbing behavior. Results: The path model indicated the effectiveness of the planning intervention in reducing own phubbing. However, no effect of the intervention on depression symptoms or life satisfaction was found. Findings provided no indication of intimacy and interaction quality as mediating mechanisms even though phubbing was negatively related to intimacy. Limitations: As only one partner in a romantic relationship took part in the study, the dyadic component of disruptive smartphone use in couples was not considered in this intervention. Conclusion: These results indicate that interventions aimed at reducing phubbing behavior can help change one’s own behavior. Nevertheless, a dyadic approach, taking the partner and actor perspectives into account may further help to elucidate potential dyadic mechanisms of the intervention.