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Long-distance texting: Text messaging is linked with higher relationship satisfaction in long-distance relationships.

ABSTRACT: Due to the widespread use of smartphones, romantic couples can connect with their partners from virtually anywhere, at any time. Remote communication may be particularly important to long-distance relationships (LDRs), compared to geographically close relationships (GCRs). The goals of the current research were to examine differences between LDRs and GCRs in (1) the patterns of remote communication (video calls, voice calls, and texting), and (2) how frequency and responsiveness of remote communication are related to relationship satisfaction. Data were drawn from an online survey of emerging adults (n = 647) who were in a relationship or dating someone (36.5% were in an LDR). Participants in LDRs engaged in more frequent video calling, voice calling and texting, compared to those in GCRs. Long-distance relationship participants also perceived their partners to be more responsive during video and voice calls, compared to GCR participants. More frequent and responsive texting predicted significantly greater relationship satisfaction among participants in LDRs, but not GCRs. Meanwhile, frequency of voice calls was associated with greater relationship satisfaction in GCRs, but not in LDRs. The use of video calls was not significantly related to relationship satisfaction in either group. Overall, study findings add to a growing literature on remote communication in romantic couples and suggest a uniquely positive role of texting within LDRs. Further research is needed to examine the ways in which LDR and GCR couples can best capitalize on different forms of remote technology to maintain their relationships during periods of separation.

SUBMITTER: Holtzman S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8669216 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundRapid weight gain and overweight in infancy are associated with childhood obesity. Thus, effective, accessible interventions to promote healthy infant feeding practices to prevent early obesity are essential.MethodsThis mixed-methods study involved diverse parents of infants in an urban, low-income pediatric clinic. Qualitative interviews explored parental attitudes towards feeding, early obesity, and communication with the pediatrician. A pilot, randomized controlled trial (RCT) informed by feedback provided by clinic parents compared text messages delivered for 12 months promoting healthy feeding practices to usual care to prevent early pediatric obesity. A computer-generated randomization schedule with balanced distribution for sex was used to place infants into groups. Weight-for-length percentiles and z-scores and feeding practices were measured at 0-2 weeks (baseline), 2-4 months, 6-9 months, and 12 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Weight for length percentile, Weight for length z scores, and feeding practices were compared between groups using repeated measures mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsParticipants in the interviews were 15 parents of infants less than 1 month old. RCT participants were 38 parents of newborns (17 control; 21 intervention). Most parents in the qualitative evaluation viewed breastfeeding positively but also discussed barriers. Most also wanted practical information regarding infant feeding. There were no differences in weight-for-length percentile (F=0.52; P=0.60) or z-scores (F=0.7922; P=0.79), breastfeeding persistence χ2[1] =1.45, P=0.23, or age of introduction of solids in the intervention (statistical analysis not possible due to low counts) compared to the control group; however, low response to surveys limited the study's power.ConclusionsText messaging has potential to extend the healthcare provider's communication beyond clinic. However, texting interventions should be flexible to mitigate barriers such as loss of phone service and challenges customizing messages to parent needs.

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Long-distance texting: Text messaging is linked with higher relationship satisfaction in long-distance relationships.

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