Phubbing in romantic relationships and retaliation: A daily diary study

The term “phubbing” is a portmanteau of “phone” and “snubbing”, representing interruptions in face-to-face interactions due to smartphones acting as a distractor. Phubbing has previously been associated with several negative relational and personal outcomes (i.e., reduced relationship satisfaction, low mood, and increased interpersonal conflict). The present study explored the consequences of partner phubbing on phubbee's (i.e., the recipient's) daily reports of relationship satisfaction and personal well-being. To extend current phubbing literature, we assessed how phubbees responded to being phubbed (ignoring, resentment, curiosity, retaliation, conflict) and their motivations for engaging in any retaliatory behaviours. Participants (N = 75) completed a 10-day daily diary study, consisting of short baseline and daily measures (perceived partner phubbing, relationship satisfaction, depressed mood, anxious mood, self-esteem, anger/frustration, responses to phubbing, and, if applicable, motivations for retaliation). Results revealed phubbees reported lower relationship satisfaction and greater feelings of anger when daily perceived partner phubbing was high. Likewise, when perceived partner phubbing was high, phubbees reported greater curiosity, resentment, and retaliation. Revenge, need for support, and need for approval were all significant motivations for retaliation. Findings reinforced the emotional and behavioural impact of phubbing on the recipient.