Story perspectives

Study Links Phubbing to Relationship Disconnection and Deprivation

9/29/2025

26 2

Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships links phubbing—phone distraction—to emotional disconnection.
Perceived phubbing correlates with affection deprivation and lower relationship satisfaction for both partners.
The study followed 51 couples living together during the early pandemic, assessing dynamics.
Findings suggest mindful phone use may preserve affection; future work will examine how discussing phone use affects connection.

1 of 1

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships links phubbing—phone distraction—to emotional disconnection.
Perceived phubbing correlates with affection deprivation and lower relationship satisfaction for both partners.
The study followed 51 couples living together during the early pandemic, assessing dynamics.
Findings suggest mindful phone use may preserve affection; future work will examine how discussing phone use affects connection.