Predicting Role of Partner Phubbing, Rejection Sensitivity and Predicting Responsiveness on Relationship Quality of Married Individuals

Abstract

Partner phubbing is an act of ignoring a partner in favor of mobile phone use. It has emerged as a prevalent issue in modern relationships, affecting emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. The objective of this study was to explore the involvement of partner phubbing, rejection sensitivity, and partner responsiveness in determining the relationship quality of married individuals, specifically focusing on the emotional and behavioral dynamics that influence marital satisfaction. This study employed a quantitative approach to examine the effects of partner phubbing on relationship satisfaction, with a focus on rejection sensitivity and responsiveness during instances of phubbing. Participants were assessed using established scales measuring partner phubbing, responsiveness during phubbing, rejection sensitivity, and marital satisfaction. Data was analyzed to identify significant relationships between these variables. The results indicated that partner phubbing had a significant negative impact on relationship quality, especially for individuals with high rejection sensitivity. However, partner responsiveness during phubbing incidents was found to lessen the negative effects of phubbing on relationship satisfaction. High rejection sensitivity was linked to stronger emotional reactions to phubbing, resulting in lower relationship satisfaction. This study calls attention to the emotional consequences of partner phubbing and suggests that fostering partner responsiveness may be a key strategy for improving relationship quality in the digital age. The findings underscore the importance of addressing technological distractions within relationships and provide insights into how partners can navigate the challenges posed by digital devices to maintain emotional intimacy and satisfaction.