Interpersonal Media Used by Couples in Non-Proximal Romantic Relationships: Implications for Psychological Practice

Modern communication technologies provide communicative spaces for distanced interpersonal relationships. The present chapter will focus on understanding characteristics, benefits/advantages, and challenges unique to the communication patterns and technology that are part of non-proximal romantic relationships (NPRRs), what many people think of as long distance romantic relationships. However, NPRR is a broader term that includes separations not solely characterized by physical distance, including college students, military couples, dual career commuter couples, industry workers, and cyber/Internet relationships. The manner in which relationship maintenance strategies interface with technology for NPRR couples is examined. Cognitive processes, nuances, and intention behind selecting and utilizing various computer-mediated communication media, including electronic mail (e-mail), video chat, mobile phone texting, and instant messaging, is explored. The use of various technology media is discussed within the framework of cue multiplicity, synchronicity, and mobility. Minimal research exists on how technology impacts NPRRs in different ways compared with couples in proximal romantic relationships who live within close physical proximity. This chapter describes implications for understanding distance relating, communication dynamics, and relationship maintenance as these concepts relate to clinical approaches targeted at assisting couples in NPRRs.