Nature of Romantic Relationship in Committed Emerging Adults: Exploring Challenges and Resilience

Abstract

Among Indian urban youth, individualism and autonomy are growing and there are fewer restrictive social norms and more visibility of non-arranged romantic relationships in contemporary India (Gala and Kapadia in Psychol Dev Soc 26:115–141, 2014). Establishing and maintaining relationships, accompanied by the goal of finding a long-term partner, are pivotal aspects during the stage of emerging adulthood (Mayseless and Keren in Emerg Adulthood 2:63–73, 2014). This necessitates understanding aspects that contribute to longevity, despite the challenges that come in the lives of young adults. The present phenomenological study sought to explore the nature and development, challenges experienced and resilient elements of romantic relationships in committed emerging adults. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven couples individually (7 men, 7 women) in the age range of 21–25 years, residing in New Delhi belonging to the middle and upper middle class. The data analysis included transcription of interviews and thematic coding of transcripts, within-case analysis for each couple and a cross-case analysis to highlight the emerging themes across the profiles. The findings revealed three main categories: couples who were ambiguous about their relationship, couples who experienced stability in their relationship and a couple whose relationship culminated in marriage. Several cross-couple themes emerged. Finally, alongside Sibley’s theory of resilient commitment (Exploring the theory of resilient commitment in emerging adulthood: A qualitative inquiry. (Publication no. 3708489) [Doctoral dissertation, Kansas State University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2015), other elements of resilience emerged: contribution of partner to personal growth, willingness to engage in self-work, learnings from the past relationship and notions of other relationships. In conclusion, the study captured the voices of young adults, their challenges and hopes regarding their romantic relationships contributing to Indian literature.