Screen Time vs. Quality Time: Examining the Relationship between Multi-screen Addiction and Marital Relationship Quality through the Lens of maintenance-oriented relationship commitment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the predictive model of marital relationship quality based on multi-screen addiction with the mediating role of maintenance-oriented relationship commitment in married individuals.
Methods: The current research method was applied in terms of purpose, descriptive in data collection, and correlational based on the analysis process. The statistical population of the present study was the married teachers of Zanjan province in 2023, and 402 teachers participated in this research through convenience sampling. Data collection tools included the Relationship Quality Questionnaire (RQ) by Chonody et al. (2016), the maintenance-oriented relationship commitment Scale (MORC) by Schoebi et al. (2015), and the Multiple screen Addiction Scale (MSAS) by Saritepeci (2021). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation tests, confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, and structural equation modeling with SPSS 27 and AMOS 26 software.
Results: The results revealed that all scales had appropriate reliability. According to the Pearson correlation matrix, there was a significant positive relationship between MORC and RQ (r=0.593, P<0.01), as well as between MSA and RQ (r=-0.237, P<0.01). Structural equation modeling also indicated a good fit of the research conceptual model with the data (RMSEA=0.074).
Conclusion:It can be concluded that maintenance-oriented relationship commitment mediates the relationship between multi-screen addiction and marital relationship quality, suggesting that considering these factors in therapeutic interventions and marital enrichment programs can be beneficial.

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