'Pphubbing' or Phone Snubbing Hurts Relationships, May Lead to Depression [Study]

A recent study done by Baylor University researchers has found out that relationships are being hurt by "Pphubbing," or partner phone snubbing. It happens when someone in a romantic relationship gets distracted by their phones, and in effect snubs the partner, not giving them enough attention. The study is published in the journal Computers In Human Behavior.

In a press release, the researchers explained that they wanted to study the effects of Pphubbing on romantic relationships, and surveyed more than 450 U.S. adults using a valid scale.

“What we discovered was that when someone perceived that their partner phubbed them, this created conflict and led to lower levels of reported relationship satisfaction,” explained James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing. “These lower levels of relationship satisfaction, in turn, led to lower levels of life satisfaction and, ultimately, higher levels of depression.”

The first survey, done in 308 adults, helped develop a "Partner Phubbing Scale" composed of nine statements reflecting smartphone usage habits that were identified as snubbing behaviors.

The statements include "my partner glances at his/her cell phone when talking to me," and "if there is a lull in our conversation, my partner will check his or her cell phone."

The second survey, of 145 adults, was done in part by using the newly-developed scale from the first survey.

Some other considerations were cell phone conflict, relationship- and life-satisfaction levels, depression and attachment style.

It was found through the survey that 46.3 percent of respondents reported being phubbed by their partners; 22.6 percent reported that phubbing caused relationship conflicts; and 36.6 percent reported feeling depressed some of the time.

Overall, the study found that only 32 percent of the participating adults reported that they were satisfied with their relationship.

“In everyday interactions with significant others, people often assume that momentary distractions by their cell phones are not a big deal,” said study co-author Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing. “However, our findings suggest that the more often a couple’s time spent together is interrupted by one individual attending to his/her cell phone, the less likely it is that the other individual is satisfied in the overall relationship."

The Pew Research Center reports that nearly two-thirds of American adults own a smartphone. As such, Pphubbing won't be uncommon. However, the authors said it should be avoided.

“Something as common as cell phone use can undermine the bedrock of our happiness—our relationships with our romantic partners,” said Roberts.