Longdistance Romantic Relationships: Connections Among Conflict, Uncertainty, Maintenance, and Mediated Communication Use
Abstract
Conflict, uncertainty, and relational maintenance have been frequent topics
of study in long-distance relationships (LDRs); however, these concepts have not
been studied concurrently. Interviews with 22 college students were used to study
the influence of mediated versus face-to-face communication on conflict,
uncertainty, and maintenance in LDRs. Interview data indicate that distance,
distrust, and frustration with mediated communication are significant sources of
conflict in LDRs. Conflict is most often discussed via mediated communication,
although couples overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face interaction. Uncertainty and
subsequent conflict were highest when using text-based communication (i.e., text
messaging and Facebook); the telephone was preferred to maintain LDRs.