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If you are emotionally attached to your smartphone and rely on it every waking minute, it may be harming your relationship.

Psychologists claim that increasing numbers of people in long-term partnerships are having to compete with their partner's smartphone for attention, making it the 'third wheel' in their relationship.

A survey found that almost three quarters of women in committed relationships feel that smartphones are interfering with their love life and are reducing the amount of time they spend with their partner.

Phone love: Psychologists claim that increasing numbers of people in long-term partnerships are having to compete with their partner's smartphone for attention, making it the 'third wheel' in their relationship

Scientists found that what they describe as this 'technoference' – even if infrequent – sets off a chain of negative events: more conflict about technology, lower relationship quality, lower life satisfaction and higher risk of depression.

The poll, which was conducted by Brandon McDaniel of The Pennsylvania State University and Sarah Coyne of Brigman Young University in Utah, surveyed 143 women.

In it, 62 per cent of women claimed that technology interfered with time spent with their partner and almost one third of respondents said their boyfriend has looked at his smartphone while they were talking.

One quarter ever said their partner has been known to compose texts during face-to-face conversations, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture.

'This is likely a circular process that people become trapped in where allowing technology to interfere, even in small ways, in one's relationship at least sometimes causes conflict, which can begin to slowly erode the quality of their relationship,' Dr McDaniel said.

A survey found that almost three quarters of women in committed relationships feel that smartphones are interfering with their love life and are reducing the amount of time they spend with their partner

'Over time, individuals feel less satisfied with their relationship as well as with the way their life is currently going. They may not even realise this is happening.'

The study says: 'By allowing technology to interfere with or interrupt conversations, activities, and time with romantic partners - even when unintentional or for brief moments - individuals may be sending implicit messages about what they value most, leading to conflict and negative outcomes in personal life and relationships.'

Dr Coyne admitted she has bad habits and uses her phone too much.

'That's insane to say that as a professional who researches this, but we can let these devices overrule our entire lives if we allow it.'

She recommends putting a smartphone on silent and not keeping it with you all the time to focus on your partner.

'If you need to check on something legitimately important, provide an explanation first and then check your phone.

'Finally, don't get defensive if your partner expresses disdain at your constant texting or gaming – it's somebody's way of saying they'd like to connect with you in-person,' she said.

A study last year by Brigman Young University revealed that serious conversations and apologies do more harm than good when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship, if they are done via text.