Interconnection of Multiple Communication Modes in Long-Distance Dating Relationships

Employing the communicative interdependence perspective (CIP), the current study examined the interconnection and transition between technologically mediated communication (TMC) and face-to-face (FtF) communication in long-distance dating relationships (LDDRs). College students in LDDRs (N = 200) completed an online survey. Results showed that segmentation to TMC was negatively associated with relational closeness and relationship satisfaction. Difficulty transitioning between TMC and FtF communication was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Further, LDDR partners’ FtF communication frequency moderated the associations between segmentation to TMC and the two relational markers. Findings’ implications for relational maintenance in LDDRs and CIP are discussed.

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