FEAR OF MISSING OUT, PHUBBING, AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AMONG SPOUSES

Abstract

Relationship satisfaction plays a very significant role in spouses. It’s a key of successful marital life. In the present study predictors of marital satisfaction, role of digital communications and its effects on spousal bond have been studied. The current study aims to identify the indirect role of fear of missing out and partner phubbing in relationship satisfaction. Sample consisted of married working spouses (N=200), Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Scale (Przybylski, Murayama, DeHann, & Gladwell, 2013; α=.84), Partner Phubbing Scale (Robert & David, 2015; α=.85), and Relationship Assessment scale by Hendreick (1988; α=.84) were administered to collect the data.  Results drawn by using SPSS indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between FOMO and phubbing while phubbing inversely effects relationship satisfaction. Moreover, hierarchical regression analysis confirmed that FOMO and phubbing are the strong predictors of relationship satisfaction. Gender differences were also seen in partner phubbing.  Furthermore, results showed that nuclear family system reduces relationship satisfaction by intensifying the feeling of missing out and repeated usage of mobile phone. This study would help in understanding devastating consequences of smart devices in matrimonial associations. The implication of this study is for marital counselor, therapist, and psychologist.