Date Approved
2012
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Committee Member
Sam Shen, Ph.D, Chair
Committee Member
Michael Tew, Ph.D
Committee Member
Kathleen Stacey, Ph.D
Abstract
This communication study explores the relation between commitment, relational maintenance strategies, and text message use in romantic partners. This study examines how these three factors are connected through the use of surveys. It was hypothesized that romantic partners who were more committed to one another would use text messages to communicate about certain relational maintenance strategies. Results showed romantic partners who used more relational maintenance strategies did in fact use text messages to communicate about these issues more often. Also, couples who were more committed to their partner did use more positivity when communicating through text messages with their partner. It was also found that males use the relational maintenance strategy of openness more often than females when communicating through text messages.
Recommended Citation
Baber, Vashaun M., "Relational maintenance: An examination of how gender, relational maintenance strategies, and commitment affect the use of text messages in romantic relationships" (2012). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 379.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/379