Arefeh Kiani, Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi, Ali Sheikholeslamy,
Volume 25, Issue 98 (9-2026)
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships among couples in Neka, Iran. ▌Method: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of couples residing in Neka, from whom 150 individuals (75 couples) were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using Barton’s Communication Skills Questionnaire (1998), Chotpitayasunondh and Douglas’s Phubbing Questionnaire (2018), and the Romantic Relationships Questionnaire developed by Attridge et al. (1998). Data were analyzed using SPSS, and the measurement and structural models were evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS. ▌Findings: The proposed model demonstrated an acceptable fit. Phubbing had a significant negative effect on communication skills (β 0.62, p < .01) and romantic relationships (β= -0.57, p < .01), whereas communication skills had a significant positive effect on romantic relationships (β = 0.52, p < .01). In addition, communication skills significantly mediated the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships, with an indirect effect of −0.21 (p < .01). ▌Conclusion: Higher levels of phubbing were associated with poorer communication skills and weaker romantic relationships among couples, whereas stronger communication skills were associated with better romantic relationships. Communication skills also mediated the relationship between phubbing and romantic relationships. These findings highlight the relevance of both phubbing and communication skills to couples’ romantic relationships and support the potential value of interventions aimed at promoting healthier smartphone use and strengthening couples’ communication skills
