Technology in Relationships and Satisfaction: Nationality as a Moderator

Abstract

ABSTRACT Technology as a communication medium now functions as a core way to connect to peers, family members, and romantic partners independent of time and location. These technologies help us to initiate relationships and maintain them, but also can introduce complications such as connection to others outside of our relationships and take time away from relationships. The purpose of this study was to test a model proposing a moderating effect of nationality on the link between technology in relationships and satisfaction. In a cross-sectional study of 658 American and 503 Austrian adults (n = 1161), participants who were in a committed relationship for at least 6 months completed a survey assessing their use of technology, how their use of technology affected their relationships, their nationality, and their relationship satisfaction. Results indicated a significant effect for nationality on couple satisfaction. Implications for cultural understandings of technology in relationships and their effect on couple satisfaction include the therapist developing an understanding of each person’s future around technology use and to inform their assessment around how each member’s use of technology supports or detracts from relationship satisfaction.