Chow Kai Xin

Sunway University | | Degree: BSc (Hons) Psychology
How Pphubbing, Interpersonal Attachment Anxiety, and Trust Predict Romantic Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

Romantic relationship satisfaction (RRS) plays a significant role in individuals’ daily lives and can be influenced by various factors, such as Partner Phubbing (Pphubbing), Interpersonal Attachment Anxiety (IAA), and Trust. Hence, this study investigated how Pphubbing, IAA, and trust predict RRS. Furthermore, this study also examined the correlation between IAA and trust, as these two factors tend to occur simultaneously in a romantic relationship. This study adopted a cross-sectional design to examine the predictive effects of Pphubbing, IAA, and trust on RRS, along with the correlation between IAA and trust. The scales used in this study were the Couple Satisfaction Index, Partner Phubbing Scale, Trust Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationship Scale —Short Form. The participants completed the online survey anonymously. After data collection, 116 valid responses from Malaysian couples were analysed using standard multiple regression and Pearson correlation. This study found trust to be a significant predictor of RRS (β = .60, t = 6.92, p < .001), but not Pphubbing (β = .16, t = 1.91, p = .059) and IAA (β = .00, t = -.002, p = .998). Furthermore, this study reported a medium negative correlation between IAA and trust (r = -.33, n = 116, p < .001). The findings in this study were supported by past studies and added to RRS, Pphubbing, trust, and IAA literature by providing the findings in a Malaysian context. In short, trust is predictive of RRS and is negatively associated with IAA among Malaysian couples.

Chow Kai Xin