Abstract
Successful conflict resolution is important in romantic relationships. With the advent of computer-mediated communication (CMC), partners can resolve conflict using CMC. But is CMC as effective as face-to-face communication for conflict resolution? And does the effectiveness depend on attachment style? We asked 100 romantic couples to discuss a conflict topic and randomly assigned them to do so face-to-face or via CMC. Levels of distress, anger, and conflict resolution did not differ between face-to-face and CMC discussions.
Attachment style did not moderate these findings. A more anxious and a more avoidant attachment style were associated with higher levels of distress and
anger. We conclude that there is no indication that resolving conflict face-to-face has advantages over resolving conflict via CMC.
Attachment style did not moderate these findings. A more anxious and a more avoidant attachment style were associated with higher levels of distress and
anger. We conclude that there is no indication that resolving conflict face-to-face has advantages over resolving conflict via CMC.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 939-955 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Personal Relationships |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2020 |
Keywords
- COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE
- COUPLES
- INTIMACY
- LOVE
- ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
- SATISFACTION
- TECHNOLOGY
- adult attachment
- communication
- computer‐
- conflict resolution
- mediated‐
- texting