The Emerging Role of Digital Fatigue in Reducing the Quality of Emotional Interactions Between Couples

In recent years, the increasing use of digital technologies has introduced the phenomenon of digital fatigue, a state of cognitive and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged interaction with screens and digital platforms. This trend has raised concerns about its potential impacts on intimate relationships, particularly on the quality of emotional interactions between couples. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of digital fatigue on three critical dimensions of relational quality emotional expression, responsiveness, and support - and to assess the efficacy of digital time management and mindfulness-based interventions in alleviating its negative impacts. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group was conducted with ۹۰ married participants (۴۵ couples) residing in Tonekabon, randomly assigned to one of three groups: digital time management training, mindfulness-based digital fatigue reduction, and a no-intervention control group. The participants completed the Digital Fatigue Scale and the Couples' Emotional Interaction Scale before and after an eight-week intervention. Results from MANCOVA and subsequent ANCOVAs revealed significant improvements across emotional expression, responsiveness, and support for both experimental groups compared to the control group, with the digital time management group exhibiting the highest gains. These findings underscore the role of targeted behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions in counteracting the relational effects of digital fatigue. In conclusion, structured digital habits and enhanced emotional awareness can foster deeper emotional connections within couples. The results highlight practical implications for therapists and counselors seeking to support relational well-being in an increasingly digital world.

کلیدواژه ها:

Digital Fatigue ، Emotional Interaction ، Couple Relationships