Psychometric properties of the Technology Device Interference Scale (TDIS) and Technology Interference in Life Examples Scale (TILES) in Spanish-speaking couples’ Relationships

Abstract

Background: Technoference is the disruptions caused by technological devices during personal interactions. Although this phenomenon is widespread, there is a lack of validated tools in Spanish. The Technology Device Interference Scale (TDIS) and the Technology Interference in Life Examples Scale (TILES) assess technoference in couples’ relationships. Methods: An observational study to evaluate their psychometric properties. 997 Spanish adults in long-term relationships completed both scales (TDIS, TILES) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS). Results: TDIS and TILES showed satisfactory internal consistency (α = .73 to .91). Their unidimensional structure was confirmed, with invariance analyses supporting use across sex and age for TILES, and partial scalar invariance for TDIS. The TDIS analysis revealed significant differences regarding the age and gender of participants; however, in the case of TILES, these differences were confined to age only. Percentiles of the total score were calculated. Higher levels of technoference were associated with a lower relationship quality. Conclusions: TDIS and TILES are valid and reliable instruments that can effectively measure the impact of technoference on couple relationships in Spanish-speaking populations.