The Perceived Infuence of Interactive Technology on Marital Relationships

Interactive technologies (e.g., cell phones, internet, social networking sites) are now a regular part of marital relationships. Relying on an Ecological Systems theoretical framework, the current qualitative priority mixed-methods study was based on 66 heterosexual married couples’ (n=132 individuals) perspectives regarding the infuence of interactive technology on marital relationships. A dyadic qualitative analysis resulted in three themes. First, participants reported that interactive technology can both facilitate distraction and connection. Second, couples indicated that interactive technology allowed them to conveniently communicate. Finally, participants shared that interactive technology can challenge relational boundaries. For this sample, there were no statically signifcant diferences between quantifed couple perspectives, but there were some diferences in couple qualitative responses