Co‐worker phubbing

A qualitative exploration of smartphone use during work breaks

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7167136
AutoresPer Martinsson (0009-0006-9161-9408, Department of Psychology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden, autor correspondente), Sara Thomée (0000-0001-6982-1729, Department of Psychology University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden)
Ano2025
Volume66
Fascículo1
Páginas158-173
Data de publicação2025-02-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.13071
PMID39300692
OpenAlexW4402694077
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas67

INTRODUCTION: The present study qualitatively explores co-worker "phubbing" (from "phone" and "snubbing") during communal work breaks. Phubbing, or ignoring others by paying attention to one's phone, has been linked to a range of negative interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes. Although most research has targeted private relationships, there are indications that lateral work relationships may be similarly affected, with potential consequences at the individual, group, and organizational levels. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 25 Swedish employees in the electrical trade (n = 13) and health care (n = 12), groups that typically work alongside colleagues and regularly take communal breaks. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified: (1) phubbing as a social barrier, (2) the socially integrated smartphone, (3) intentional and unintentional phubbing, (4) navigating phubbing norms, and (5) generational differences in phubbing behavior and attitudes. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that work break phubbing could potentially undermine interpersonal aspects of the psychosocial work environment. However, this was also seen as contingent on social norms and individual needs and preferences. Discussing phubbing in the workplace may be a way of mitigating negative effects by bridging disparate expectations

Interpersonal communication · Intrapersonal communication · Phone · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Work (physics) · Applied Psychology · Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior · Psychology · Social Psychology · Technostress in Professional Settings · Work-Family Balance Challenges