title: Technology, relationships, and problems: a research synthesis.
abstract: The advances in technology alter the ways we interact with each other. For some, the use of technology can facilitate a relationship; for others, technology can complicate aspects of a relationship. The purpose of this research synthesis is to summarize current research exploring the ways in which technology impacts relationships negatively. Eight studies were reviewed across the following areas: preoperational definitions, sample, methodology, control of extraneous variables, causal influence, generalizability, validity of statistical findings, and conclusions. Implications for authors, researchers, and therapists working with couples and families struggling with technology issues are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-3045, USA. katherine.hertlein@unlv.edu
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Hertlein
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Webster
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036262:Empirical Research; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012107:Research Design; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States