So small that it fits in the palm of your hand and yet a great source of problems, conflicts and arguments. The cell phone can become a real source of discomfort within relationships. Specifically when one of the members of the group seems to dedicate more time and attention to these devices than to the person next to them. This phenomenon is known as phubbing, and, according to a recent study, its practice entails a whole series of psychological consequences for those who suffer from it.
Alone and distressed, this is how people who are subjected to phubbing by their partners feel, according to research carried out by the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, in Romania, and published in BMC Psychology. The “phubbee”, as the researchers call these profiles, experience negative feelings, in which they perceive that they are being ignored and even think that they are of no importance to their partner. A situation that, as can be imagined, brings with it a certain psychological impact.
In order to carry out the study, a sample of 720 adults was taken, 74% women; with ages between 18 and 77 years, the average being around 24 years. Among the participants, 44% were in a romantic relationship, while 36% were single and the other 18% were part of a marriage. The tests were intended to evaluate the psychological distress that phubbing caused, including a depression, anxiety and stress scale. As well as the level of satisfaction with life, perceived phubbing, feelings of loneliness and time spent on social networks, mainly.
The result of the study was that people who suffered from greater perceived exposure to phubbing had higher levels of distress and loneliness. From this arise the negative feelings and emotions that this practice brings as a consequence for the “phubbee” person. Isolation, frustration, anguish and social disconnection as the most noticeable.
One of the biggest consequences of phubbing within a couple is that the quality of communication between its members worsens. In addition to the rest of the consequences it entails for the affected party. However, there are ways to avoid it or, at least, remedy it.
