Text Less for a Healthier Relationship, Researchers Suggest

If your partner texts you frequently throughout the day, that does not necessarily mean there is strong and effective communication in your relationship.

Researchers at Brigham Young University found that relationships may suffer because hi-tech communications can lead to couples 'disconnecting' with each other on serious issues.

To reach their findings, published in the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, the research team conducted a study involving 276 individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 who were in a committed relationship. Among the participants, 38 percent were in a serious relationship, 46 percent were engaged and 16 percent were married.

Researchers found that affectionate texts enhanced those relationships. However texting more serious issues such as relationship problems, was more negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and stability.

Interestingly enough, men who sent and received a bunch of texts were less satisfied with their relationships. Meanwhile, women who texted more reported higher quality connections with their partners, citing that they used texting to work out problems and differences when their relationship hit the rocks.

 Women were reported to make up via text, which "scientists believe is the online version of the need to "talk things out.""

The researchers note that having these conversations face to face would be positive, but that texting can actually make things worse.

"Reaction to disappointment and reality testing occurs more quickly face to face. There is a narrowness with texting and you don't get to see the breadth of a person that you need to see," said Jonathan Sandberg, of BYU and study author.

The study was published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy. To read the entire study, click here.