Attachments in the Digital Age: Social

Media’s Role in Predicting Marital Burnout

Maham Fatima 1

M.Phil. scholar, Department of Psychology, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan [email protected]

Dr. Saadia Zia 2

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan

[email protected]

Nadia Fahim 3

Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan

[email protected]

Faizan Hasnain 4

BS Psychology Student, Department of Psychology, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan

First Author and Presenter Maham Fatima MPhil scholar

Department of Psychology

Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan Session 2022-2024

Introduction
The internet has become an integral part of daily life for billions worldwide, offering numerous benefits
such as access to information and mental health resources. However, excessive internet use can lead to
problems like internet addiction and strain on social, professional, and familial relationships. Research
indicates that problematic internet use can negatively impact marriages and family dynamics, potentially
leading to alienation and marital discontent. Factors such as attachment styles formed in early life can
influence marital burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and decreased affection between
partners. Studies emphasize the importance of understanding these dynamics for promoting healthy
relationships.

Social Media Usage

Social Networking Usage refers to online space that is used by students to connect, share, communicate,
establish, or maintain connections with others for academic, entertainment, socialization, etc. Social
networking as a communication medium is rising quickly, mostly due to the prosperous increase of
applications for mobile devices. Especially young adults are becoming familiar with sharing their
everyday lives and experiences, keeping in touch with teachers, friends, and family online, and talking
about their interests (Leung 2002; Morahan-Martin & Schumacher 2003). Over the past decade, social
networking has garnered significant attention in academia, particularly regarding its impact on students'
communication, relationships, and academic pursuits. While social networking offers benefits such as
enhancing learning opportunities and facilitating real-time communication, excessive use can lead to
addiction, resulting in negative consequences like envy, anxiety, and depression. Problematic social
media use can impair various aspects of life, including work, relationships, sleep, and mental health.
Attachment style and personality factors, such as neuroticism, play significant roles in predicting social
media addiction.
Marital Burnout

Marriage is a complex phenomenon with various motivations and challenges. Couples may enter into
marriage for reasons such as love, sexual fulfillment, financial security, companionship, and emotional
stability. However, maintaining a successful marriage requires effort from both partners. As
conceptualized by Pines (Pines, 2013) ; couple burnout, like career burnout, has been referred to a
painful state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs when people realize that despite
all their efforts in having romantic love and giving meaning to their lives, their intimate relationship does
not and will not meet their expectations. Several studies have examined the factors affecting couple
burnout. These studies have focused mainly on socio-economic factors (e.g., gender, level of education,
marriage duration, and number of children). (Nikoubakht et al., 2011), ( Pamuk & Durmuş, 2015),( Pines
et al., 2011), (Sirin & Deniz, 2016).

Attachment styles

Attachment can be defined as a deep and enduring emotional bond between two people in which each
seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of the attachment figure—the initial and
perhaps most crucial emotional bond forms between infants and their primary caregivers. Distinct
behaviors characterize attachment in children and adults, such as seeking closeness with the attachment
figure when distressed or threatened (Bowlby, 1969). Attachment styles, developed in early childhood,
shape individuals' approaches to relationships and caregiving. Secure attachment, characterized by trust
and comfort in close relationships, is associated with positive outcomes. Insecure attachment styles,
such as anxious or avoidant attachment, arise from inconsistent or unresponsive caregiving and can lead
to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.Attachment styles influence individuals' behaviors
and attitudes in romantic and professional relationships, impacting their ability to trust, communicate,
and seek support. Understanding attachment styles is crucial for comprehending relationship dynamics
and promoting healthy interactions across the lifespan.
Theoretical background

John Bowlby Attachment Theory (Bowlby, 1982)

Bowlby's Attachment Theory validates the importance of attachment in providing children with a secure
base for exploration, learning, and relationships. It emphasizes how safety, stress management,
flexibility, and resilience are all enhanced through secure attachments. The theory focuses on long-term
bonds, such as those between romantic partners and parents and children, providing a psychological
rationale for human connections. Attachment theory underscores the necessity of socioemotional
attachments for regulating emotions, maintaining mental health, and participating in psychosocial
activities, highlighting the significance of supportive relationships.

Conceptual Framework

Rationale of Study

The research aims to explore how attachment styles impact the relationship between adult social media
use and marital burnout. This study is important as it addresses how married couples manage their
relationships and improve their children's lives. A strong marital relationship can lead to lower divorce
rates and societal benefits. According to Candemir and Tunç (2020), only 42.8% of relationship burnout
can be explained by current variables, indicating a significant gap in understanding the factors
contributing to relationship burnout. This underscores the necessity for further research to identify
additional influences.
Objectives

▶ To find out the moderating role of attachment styles on the relationship between social media usage,
and marital burnout among adults.

▶ To find out the relationship between social media usage, marital burnout and attachment styles
among adults.

▶ To find out the impact of social media usage on marital burnout among adults.

▶ To find out demographic differences (gender, duration of marriage, employment status) in terms of
social media usage, marital burnout, and attachment styles.

Hypotheses / RQs

▶ There would be a moderating role of attachment styles on the relationship between social media
usage, and marital burnout among adults.

▶ There would be a relationship between social media usage, marital burnout and attachment styles
among adults.

▶ There would be an impact of social media usage on marital burnout among adults

▶ There would be demographic differences (gender, duration of marriage, employment status) in terms
of social media usage, marital burnout, and attachment styles.
Methods

This study employs a correlational research method. The data collection was done by survey method for
research purposes. The study population consists of adults (married individuals). A survey method would
be used to collect data through purposive sampling. The sample would be calculated by Denial Soper
(Soper, 2023).

The tools used for assessment are;

Social Networking Usage Questionnaire (Gupta & Bashir, 2018)

Couple Burnout Measure (Pines, 2013)

Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990)

Initially, study participants provided informed consent. Questionnaires were distributed to both married
men and women. Then I used demographic form to collect basic demographic data such as gender,
duration of marriage, and employment status. I provided a brief explanation of the research topics and
instruments, ensuring confidentiality, before giving the research instruments to the participants to
gather their responses. Following the collection of questionnaires, I utilized SPSS to create a data sheet
and input the results.

Results

Results indicate a significant and highly positive correlation between social media usage and marital
burnout (r = 0.187, p < 0.01), shows significant positive impact of social media on marital burnout among
adults. No significant differences were found in these demographic variables in terms of social media
usage, attachment styles and marital burnout Moderation analysis shows that Attachment styles serve
as moderators between social media usage and marital burnout among adults. Depend, Close and
Anxiety attachment styles strengthen the relationship of social media usage and marital burnout among
adults.
Tables

Descriptive Statistics of study variables Note. M (SD) = mean (standard deviation)

Mean

Std. Deviation

Social Media Usage

309

61.886

17.299

Marital Burnout309 76.592 19.211

Close 309 18.058 3.999

Depend309 17.964 4.035

Anxiety 309 17.203 4.918

Table 1 is a descriptive statistics table showing the mean and standard values of the study variables on
the study sample of N=309 participants.

Correlation Table (N=309)

Pearson Correlations Matrix shows the relationship between social Media usage, Marital Burnout and
Attachment Styles (N=309)
Table 2 shows that there is a significant Positive Correlation between social media Usage, Marital
Burnout and Attachment styles.

Standard Regression Model

Standard Regression Model showing the impact of Social Media Usage on Marital Burnout (N= 309)

B Std. Error Beta t p

(Constant)

63.761

4.001

15.937

.000

Social Media Usage

.207

.062

.187

3.330
.001**

Table 3 shows the significant positive impact of Social Media Usage on Marital Burnout among adults.

T-test

Mean, Standard Deviation, t-value, and scores of Social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment
Styles in term of gender (N= 309)

Table 4 shows differences in terms of Social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment Styles in
term of gender. The results, however, indicate no difference found in gender group.

T-test

Mean, Standard Deviation, t-value, and scores of Social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment

Styles in term of employment status (N= 309)

Table 5 shows differences in terms of Social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment Styles in

term of employment status. The results, however, indicate no difference found in employment status.

ANOVA

One-way analysis of variance of Social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment Styles with respect
to duration of marriage.

Variables Sources of variance SS df MS F p-value

Social Media Usage Between

Groups 1880.109 2 940.054 3.186 .043

Within Groups 90290.927 306 295.068

Total 92171.036 308

Marital BurnoutBetween 2764.064 2 1382.032 3.813 .023

Groups

Within Groups

110908.557

306

362.446

Total 113672.621 308

Close Between
Groups

Within Groups 92.927

4834.024 2

306 46.464

15.797 2.941 .054

Total 4926.951 308

DependBetween

Groups 91.400 2 45.700 2.839 .060

Within Groups 4925.208 306 16.095

Total 5016.608 308

Anxiety Between 109.207 2 54.604 2.276 .104

Groups

Within Groups

7340.948

306

23.990

Total 7450.155 308

Table 6 shows, the comparisons or differences in social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and attachment
styles with respect to duration of marriage a category of demographic variables. Results show non-
significant differences in social Media Usage, Marital Burnout and Attachment Styles with respect to
duration of marriage
Moderation Analysis

Moderation analysis of depend attachment styles in Social Media Usage and Marital Burnout among
adults (N= 309)

B Std. Error Beta t p

(Constant) 60.211 2.643 22.778 .000

Interaction1 (Depend)

.015

.002

.358

6.720

.000***

Table 7 shows Depend Attachment styles serves as moderator between Social Media Usage and Marital
Burnout among adults.
Moderation analysis

Moderation analysis of Close attachment styles in Social Media Usage and

Marital Burnout among adults(N= 309)

B Std. Error Beta t p

(Constant) 65.471 3.025 21.643 .000

Interaction2 (Close )

.010

.003

.219

3.929

.000***

Table 8 shows Close Attachment styles serves as moderator between Social Media Usage and Marital
Burnout among adults.
Moderation analysis

Moderation analysis of Anxiety attachment styles in Social Media Usage and

Marital Burnout among adults (N= 309)

B Std. Error Beta t p

(Constant) 60.211 2.643 22.778 .000

Interaction3 (Anxiety )

.015

.002

.358

6.720

.000***

Table 9 shows Anxiety Attachment styles serves as moderator between Social

Media Usage and Marital Burnout among adults.

Conclusion

This quantitative study investigates the moderating role of attachment styles in the relationship
between adults’ social media use and marital burnout, while also exploring the interconnections among
adult attachment styles, marital burnout, and social media use. Using a sample of 309 adults from the
Multan District, selected through purposive sampling, data was collected through survey questionnaires,
the Social Networking Usage Questionnaire(Gupta & Bashir, 2018 ), the Couple Burnout Measure (Pines,
2013), the Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990), and a correlational research approach.

Results indicate a significant and highly positive correlation between social media usage and marital
burnout (r = 0.187, p < 0.01), shows significant positive impact of social media on marital burnout among
adults. Then I apply T-test and ANOVA on demographic variables However, no significant differences
were found in these demographic variables in terms of social media usage, attachment styles and
marital burnout. After this moderation analysis shows that Attachment styles serve as moderators
between social media usage and marital burnout.

Subscale of attachment styles Depend, Close and Anxiety strengthen the relationship of social media
usage and marital burnout among adults. Overall my results shows if social media usage increase than
marital burnout also increase and attachment styles as moderator strengthen the relationship of social
media usage and marital burnout among adults.

My research has confirmed the first three hypotheses. The results suggest that attachment styles act as
a mediator in the relationship between social media usage and marital burnout among adults.
Additionally, the study has revealed associations between social media usage, marital burnout, and
attachment styles among adults, as well as the impact of social media usage on marital burnout among
adults. However, the findings do not support the fourth hypothesis and indicate that there are no
demographic differences (such as gender, duration of marriage, or employment status) in relation to
social media usage, marital burnout, and attachment styles.
Significance and Implications

This research holds significance in guiding married couples to manage their relationships effectively,
potentially leading to reduced divorce rates and societal improvement. Practical implications entail
developing interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on marital relationships,
considering diverse attachment styles. Overall, this study underscores the importance of understanding
the intricate dynamics between social media usage, marital burnout, and attachment styles, aiming to
inform interventions and strategies fostering healthy marital relationships in the digital era.

Recommendations

Future recommendations regarding the topic are:

Conducting longitudinal studies to track changes in social media usage, attachment styles, and marital
satisfaction over time. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the causal
relationships and potential long-term effects.

Developing targeted interventions aimed at couples who experience marital burnout exacerbated by
social media use. These interventions could incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy,
mindfulness techniques, and communication skills training to help couples navigate challenges and
strengthen their relationships.

Conducting cross-cultural research to examine how social media usage and attachment styles influence
marital burnout across different cultural contexts. This would enhance the generalizability of findings
and help identify cultural factors that may moderate these relationships.

Implementing educational programs in schools, universities, and community centers to raise awareness
about the potential impact of social media on relationships and provide strategies for healthy digital
habits. These programs could also promote understanding of attachment styles and their role in shaping
relationship dynamics.
Acknowledgement

I am immensely grateful to Allah, the most beneficent and ever merciful. This research would not have
been possible without the assistance of many individuals, whom I would like to acknowledge. I extend
my thanks to all the participants who contributed to this research. I am truly grateful to my supervisor,
Dr. Saadia Zia, for her guidance, encouragement, and cooperation throughout this endeavor.
Additionally, I would like to express my special appreciation to my institution for providing me with the
opportunity to conduct this research. Lastly, I am thankful to my family for their unwavering love and
encouragement. Their support has been invaluable to me.

Source of Funding

This research received no external funding

Conflict of interest

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Thanks for your interest in our work. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Maham Fatima [email protected]

Dr. Saadia Zia [email protected]

Nadia Fahim

[email protected]
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