Strengthening couple relationships through a digital connection.

Publisher: Blackwell Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7904614 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1752-0606 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 0194472X NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Marital Fam Ther Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: <2007->: Malden, Mass. : Blackwell
Original Publication: Washington, D.C., American Assn. for Marriage and Family Therapy

Interpersonal Relations* ; Spouses*/psychology; Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Male ; Couples Therapy/methods ; Middle Aged

The proliferation of technology has accelerated exponentially over the past 50 years. Contemporarily, researchers have explored the influences technology use is having on individuals and relationships. Theoretical frameworks such as the couple, family, and technology (CFT) Framework have been applied to individuals and couples in committed relationships to better understand the implications of technology adoption and use within this relational subsystem. Research examining technology's impact on couple relationships recognizes the potential for technology use to be either helpful or unhelpful to the relationship but fails to fully examine the helpful aspects of technology use. This study addresses this gap with the creation of a theory grounded in data from N = 45 couples (n = 90 individuals) in committed relationships. Results indicate couples' technology use can augment emotional connection and unity within the relationship as couples manage the influence of technology in a way that is relationally helpful.
(© 2024 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.)

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Keywords: connection; couples; relationship quality; technology

Date Created: 20240411 Date Completed: 20240704 Latest Revision: 20240704

20240704

10.1111/jmft.12710

38602713