The mediator role of partner phubbing in understanding the relationship between fear of missing out and emotional loneliness in intimate relationships

In this study, the mediating role of perceived partner phubbing in explanining the relationship between the fear of missing out and emotional loneliness of individuals who are in romantic relationships (dating/darling/fiancee/engaged/married) was examined. The sample of the study consists of 478 participants, 335 (70.1%) female and 143 (29.9%) male. The Demographic Information Form developed by the researcher, Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMO) to measure individuals' fear of missing out, Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) to examine the loneliness levels of individuals, and the Partner Phubbing Scale (PPS) to measure individuals' phubbing behavior perceived by their partners were used as data collection instruments. Statistical analyzes of the data were performed by using Social Sciences Statistics Package Program (SPSS 26). Results of the descriptive analyses showed that fear of missing out, emotional loneliness, and partner phubbing did not differ according to gender of the participant. Significant relationships were found among the variables of fear of missing out, emotional loneliness, and partner phubbing. PROCESS Macro was used to test the mediating role of perceived partner phubbing, and the results indicated that partner phubbing had a positive partial mediator role between the fear of missing out and emotional loneliness. Results of the study were discussed in the light of the literature and recommendations were presented for further researchers and practitioners.