Unplugging and Reconnecting: Mindfulness as a Mediator for the Effects of Technoference on Relationship Flourishing

Despite the benefits that technology provides, the research literature has illustrated how problematic media use can negatively impact relationship processes and outcomes and serve as an obstacle to connection in romantic relationships. A negative association between technoference and relationship satisfaction has been demonstrated in the current literature, but other relationship measures have not been used and potential points of intervention have not been proposed. The current study uses dyadic data from the Couple Relationship and Transition Experiences (CREATE) project, a nationally representative sample of 2,110 heterosexual married couples. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) was performed to examine the effect of technoference on relationship flourishing, using trait mindfulness as a mediator to buffer the negative outcomes. As predicted, technoference was negatively associated with both women’s and men’s relationship flourishing. Mindful individuals were less affected by negative associations. This may be evidence that less mindful individuals turn to technology to distract themselves and avoid being present.