Room for interpretation

Abstract

This work explores the role of communication technologies during romantic couple conflict, and the impact that selfesteem has on behavior, preferences for communication channels, and attitudes about mediated communication during conflict. Results revealed that lower levels of selfesteem and communicating via text messaging (vs. face-toface) were associated with increased distancing and perceived partner distancing behaviors. Lower levels of self-esteem and using mediated communication were also associated with a greater likelihood of thinking that a conflict had a negative impact on the relationship. Yet, there was no evidence to suggest that individuals with lower levels of self-esteem exhibited more negative behaviors and perceptions in text-based communication than in FtF communication. In addition, lower levels of self-esteem were associated with increased use of and preferences for text-based mediated communication over FtF communication during conflict. Overall, this study suggests that both self-esteem and communication channel impact the nature of romantic couple conflict.

The impact of media use on the spillover and crossover effect of couple conflict

“…Couples who used more synchronous media report greater relational satisfaction and resolved conflict. These results are similar to previous research that shows members of couples who resolve conflict using FtF communication, rather than mediated communication, report greater relational quality (Scissors et al, 2014), satisfaction, and compromise to achieve mutual satisfaction (Makki, 2019). The data affirm that media synchronicity is a useful theory for understanding couple conflict in response to negative spillover and crossover.…”

“…Conversely, Frisby and Westerman (2010) demonstrate that an integrating conflict style (high concern for self and other) is negatively related to choosing mediated communication (text, phone, IM, SNSs, and email) in romantic conflict, and a dominating conflict style is positively related to choosing mediated communication. Individuals who resolve romantic conflict using FtF communication, rather than mediated communication (text, IM, email, SNS, phone, or video chat), report greater relational quality (Scissors et al, 2014), and satisfaction (Makki, 2019). Romantic partners who integrate technology-mediated communication (TMC) in serial conflict report less relational closeness and satisfaction (Pusateri et al, 2015).…”

“…Moreover, there is no clear consensus regarding the impact of channel on couple conflict. Data show that using technology in romantic couple conflict reduces arousal and domination attempts (Makki, 2019), while other data show that using technology decreases positive communication (Coyne et al, 2011) and relational quality (Scissors et al, 2014). With US adults reporting a steady increase in stress, worry, and anger over the past decade (Gallup, 2019), negative spillover and crossover could serve as a persistent source of couple conflict.…”

The Effect of Relational Satisfaction and Media Synchronicity on Attributions in Computer-Mediated Conflict

“…that 23% of young adults (ages 18-29) or 9% of all adults have resolved an argument with their romantic partner online or by text messaging that they have had difficulty resolving in person (Lenhart & Duggan, 2014). Elsewhere, dating and married couples report using text messaging to discuss serious issues with their partner and broach potentially confrontational subjects more than the phone, e-mail, instant messaging, social network sites, blogs, or video chat (Coyne, Stockdale, Busby, Iverson, & Grant, 2011), and couples use their cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, social network sites, and e-mail often or very often during conflict (Scissors, Roloff, & Gergle, 2014).…”