Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel Piferi

Keywords

modalities, communication satisfaction, communication, married heterosexual dyads, same sex platonic close friend dyad

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Communication modality choices available for individuals to use in their relationships are varied today. This qualitative phenomenological study examined communication modalities in two relationship dyads, seven married heterosexual couples and seven same sex platonic close friends, through individual and couple interviews. Findings showed that face-to-face communication was preferred for its emotional richness and ability to convey nonverbal cues like body language and tone. Participants felt these reduced misunderstandings and enhanced feelings of being heard, seen, and understood. Participants also stated presence and undivided attention were more important to communication satisfaction than any specific modality alone. Findings also show that communication satisfaction was highest when partners made intentional efforts to accommodate one other's modality preferences and established shared agreements about appropriate communication methods for different topics. Communication patterns varied between relationship types, with married couples benefiting from evening face-to-face conversations while geographically distant friends relied more on video calls. Participants indicated that the quality of attention and intentionality of time that partners brought to the communication mattered more than specific modality, though face-to-face interaction remained the overall preference. These findings have the implications of giving valuable insight for relationship partners, mental health professionals, and technology companies for greater understanding into how to provide more guidance and individual assistance to our world.

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