Psychological Development and Education ›› 2023, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (1): 48-57.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2023.01.06

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Technoference and Relationship Satisfaction: A Moderated Mediation Model

XIANG Cheng1, JIANG Yali2, PENG Kaiping1, LIU Xiaoshi1   

  1. 1. Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084;
    2. Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875
  • Published:2023-01-10

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Abstract: The present study examined the influences of technoference on relationship satisfaction among partners in a romantic relationship and explored the possible influencing mechanism behind this influence:the mediating effect of communication quality between technoference and relationship satisfaction, as well as the moderating effect of trust on this mediating process. 454 unmarried participants who are currently in a romantic relationship (average age=24.26, SD=4.20; 221 males, 233 females) were recruited in the study to complete the relevant questionnaires. The results showed that:(1) There is a significant negative correlation between the technoference and relationship satisfaction, which is consistent with previous research; (2) After controlling for gender, age, and the length of the relationship, communication quality mediated the relationship between technoference and relationship satisfaction; (3) In turn, trust within the relationship moderated the effect of communication quality on relationship satisfaction. These results revealed that technoference appear to negatively relate to relational well-being. Those who perceived more technoference tend to have lower communication quality and relationship satisfaction. However, trust played a protective role against the negative impact of poor communication quality on relationship satisfaction. In summary, the present study is the first to demonstrate the moderated mediation effect of communication quality and trust on the detrimental impact of technoference towards relationship satisfaction. The results of this study have important theoretical significance, as they may allow us to more deeply understand how technology affects the process of romantic interaction and relationship quality.

Key words: technoference, communication quality, relationship satisfaction, trust, dating couples

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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