Romantic Relationship Experiences Research Articles

Broad Perspectives of the Experience of Romantic Relationships and Sexual Education in Neurodivergent Adolescents and Young Adults

AbstractNeurodivergent young people tend to struggle with building and maintaining their romantic relationships. Despite this, there appears to be a lack of appropriate sexuality education delivered to them. This review aims to present and discuss the most current literature (conducted between 2015 and current) on romantic relationships and sexuality education in young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and ASD co-occurring with ADHD. Six internet-based bibliographic databases were used for the present review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirty-one studies were identified in this review. Twenty-six studies investigated the topic in the autistic young population. Four studies explored qualitatively and 11 quantitatively young people’s perspectives of their romantic relationship experiences. One study investigated qualitatively and three quantitatively young people’s perspectives on sexuality education. One study explored qualitatively and five quantitatively young people’s romantic relationship experiences and two explored qualitatively and three quantitatively sexuality education from caregivers’ perspectives. Five studies (all quantitative, self-reports) investigated romantic relationship experiences in the young population with ADHD. The studies conducted on the topic from the educational professionals’ perspectives were absent in the literature. The literature was also non-existent on the topic in the population with ASD co-occurring with ADHD. To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first review exploring romantic relationships and sexuality education in three groups of neurodivergent young people (with ASD, ADHD, and ASD co-occurring with ADHD).

Attachment anxiety in daily experiences of romantic relationships: An expansion of the mutual cyclical growth model

This research provides a conceptual replication and theoretical extension of the mutual cyclical growth model. This model proposes that dependence promotes relationship commitment, which promotes pro-relationship behavior, which—when detected by partners—promotes partners’ trust, which promotes partners’ willingness to depend on the relationship. Prior research supports these links on a month-to-month basis, but romantic partners’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may change on a day-to-day basis. The present research sought to replicate the model on a daily level, and to extend the model with an important potential moderator: individuals’ attachment orientations. Results from a dyadic daily-report study of romantic couples replicated the links in the mutual cyclical growth model at the level of day-to-day fluctuations in partners’ experiences; the links were especially strong for individuals high in attachment anxiety. This research provides insight into mechanisms through which close relationships develop and strengthen.

Survivors’ Dating and Romantic Relationship Experiences Following Adult Sexual Violence: A Qualitative Interview Study

ABSTRACT Survivors of adult sexual violence frequently encounter physical, reproductive, psychological and socio-economic difficulties in the aftermath of sexual violence. However, an in-depth understanding of survivor’s post-assault intimate relationship experiences is lacking. The aim of the current study was to gain a better understanding of survivors’ intimate dating and romantic relationship experiences following sexual violence. Fourteen sexual violence survivors (four men and ten women) completed a semi-structured interview regarding the psychosocial impact of sexual violence including how it affected their intimate relationships. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes including the decision to (temporarily) avoid intimate relationships, changes in the qualities survivors look for in a relationship, the space sexual violence takes up in the relationship, and the healing effects of being in a relationship. Having experienced sexual violence can affect survivors’ post-assault relationship experiences in multiple ways supporting a need for further work focused on understanding how to help survivors manage the relational impact of sexual violence.

The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Psychology

The impact of divorce has a big influence on the psychological aspects of children, and the effects can continue into adulthood. Young adults' ability to form relationships that fulfill their developmental tasks is influenced by how they interpret and attribute parental experiences of romantic relationships. Research using the narrative review method aims to better understand the psychological impact on young adults who experience their parents' divorce. The research results show that divorce can have both positive and negative impacts on children's psychological conditions, which in turn affects their ability to form relationships appropriate to the developmental stages of young adults, especially those related to intimacy vs isolation. Therefore, it is important to explore these dynamics and identify the factors that influence success in forming relationships so that individuals who have the experience of parental divorce can cope with their developmental tasks optimally. With a deeper understanding, we can provide more effective support to young adults experiencing parental divorce to overcome its psychological impact and form healthy romantic relationships.

Beliefs about Romantic Relationships and Sexual Attitudes Predicting Romantic Relationship Experiences, Intentions, and Dating App Use

Background and Objectives: Recent studies have found changes in romantic relationship (RR) dynamics among emerging adults, such as greater postponement of committed RRs and greater search for new RRs online. In this study, we examined whether one's beliefs about RRs and sexual attitudes are significant predictors of current RR status (in a relationship or single), RR intention (low vs. high), dating app use, dating via a dating app, and number of RRs in one's lifetime. Methods: 440 Slovenian emerging adults participated in the study (319 female, Mage = 22.78). They answered The Brief Measure of Relationship Importance (BMRI), The Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS), and some short questions about their RR status, RR intention, use of dating apps, and lifetime number of RRs. The study was conducted online. Results: Using logistic and linear regression analyses, we found that RR dismissal was a significant negative predictor of RR status, RR intention, and dating via a dating app, whereas RR desire did not significantly predict RR outcomes. Sexual permissiveness significantly predicted dating app use, dating via dating apps, and the number of romantic relationships in one's lifetime. Being female, living independently, and having a more instrumental sexual attitude positively predicted “in a relationship” status. Conclusion: Results suggest that certain beliefs about RR and sexual attitudes are related to intentions and decisions to engage in actual RR behaviour.

Navigating Love in a Post-Pandemic World: Understanding Young Adults' Views on Short- and Long-Term Romantic Relationships.

The uncertain future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the technological advancements may have altered young adults' experiences of romantic relationships. It is unclear whether individuals will continue to prefer traditional long-term romantic relationships (LTRR) or opt for short-term ones (STRR). This research describes how young adults in Malaysia perceive LTRR and STRR. Using the structured approach of the theory of social representations, data were collected from 512 participants; 238 (46.48%) male; Mage 21.75; majority were heterosexual and students, and analyzed using prototypical analysis to reveal high consensus elements. Five observations were made: (1) females prioritize "love" in both STRR and LTRR, while males prioritize "love" only in LTRR; (2) females prioritize "marriage" in LTRR, while males prioritize "trust," "comfort," and "stability." Males do not consider "marriage" as part of a LTRR; (3) both males and females view STRR positively, while LTRR are viewed more practically; (4) "sex" is a core element in STRR but is absent in LTRR; (5) males differentiate between STRR and LTRR with no overlapping elements. These findings provide insight into the social representations of romantic relationships among young adults in Malaysia and suggest future directions for research in the field.

Young Adults’ Online and In-Person Sexual Harassment Experiences in Romantic Relationships: Exploring the Role of Relationship Type and Dark Triad Personality Traits

As romantic relationships in young adulthood (18–25 years) are frequently characterized by experimentation and risk-taking, this could make young adults particularly vulnerable to experience sexual harassment by a dating or committed partner. This study examines young adults’ victimization and perpetration experiences of online and in-person sexual harassment with their dating or committed partner, and explores the role of the Dark Triad personality traits. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 458 young adults, 371 of whom were in a romantic relationship ( Mage = 20.80, SDage = 1.51, 25.6% men). Our findings revealed that all measured sexual harassment experiences were significantly more prevalent among young adults in dating relationships compared to those in committed relationships. Furthermore, in both relationship types, all online and in-person experiences of sexual harassment were significantly linked, indicating that these harmful experiences occur across contexts. Additionally, all victimization and perpetration experiences were significantly linked in both relationship types, meaning that some young adults were both victims and perpetrators of these behaviors. Lastly, we found that sexual harassment was linked to narcissism in dating relationships, but to Machiavellianism in committed relationships, indicating that different strategies may explain these behaviors.

Cyclical Links Between Daily Partner Interactions and Sleep Quality in Older Adult Couples: The Mediating Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Negative Affect.

Researchers have found significant associations between romantic relationship experiences and sleep quality. However, most existing studies are cross-sectional, few have focused on the aging population, and few have considered mechanisms underlying such associations. To address these gaps, 238 older adult couples completed 7-day daily diaries, reporting on their daily relationship, emotional, and sleep experiences. Multilevel structural equation modeling revealed that husbands' higher negative partner interactions and lower positive partner interactions were indirectly associated with their own and their wives' decreased sleep quality that night via lower perceived partner responsiveness and increased negative affect. Moreover, decreased sleep quality was associated with participants' and their partners' increased negative partner interactions and participants' decreased positive partner interactions the next day, with no significant gender differences. This research provides a foundation for future research on cyclical associations between romantic relationship experiences and sleep quality, with implications for relationship-based interventions to improve sleep quality.

Gender ideologies across the transition to adulthood in Germany: How early romantic relationships slow down the egalitarian trend

This study explores the development of gender ideologies across adolescence and the transition to adulthood in Germany and investigates the relevance of first romantic relationship experiences in shaping gender beliefs. Integrating the life course perspective with the theoretical framework of gender as a social structure and psychological theories, we extend the literature by following adolescents from age 15 to about age 20 across the transition to adulthood and by differentiating between young women and men from different immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds, who may be affected differently by gender-related expectations. Using the representative and ethnically diverse German sample of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries, we conducted fixed-effects regression analyses (n = 1474). First, our findings show that young people become increasingly egalitarian during adolescence, irrespective of gender and immigrant origin. Second, for young women, romantic relationship experiences of moderate and longer durations are significantly associated with slower increases in egalitarianism. For most young men, romantic relationship experiences do not affect their gender ideologies. One exception is the group of Turkish-origin men, who change their gender ideologies less towards egalitarianism with increasing relationship durations than other groups of young men. The findings suggest that, especially for young women, early romantic relationships may be crucial in shaping their gender beliefs, which subsequently predict important educational, occupational, and family choices.

Associations Between Family Caregiving and Romantic Relationships: An Exploratory Study With Nondistressed Couples Caring for an Outside Family Member.

Family caregiving-providing emotional and physical health care for a family member or friend with an illness or disability-can result in many outcomes, including stress and beneficial experiences. Both romantic and caregiving relationships are complex and varied. Nevertheless, little research has examined how caregiving and romantic relationships influence one another. The purpose of this study was to understand ways romantic partners who care for a family member outside of their romantic relationship perceive that their romantic relationship and caregiving experiences influence one another. A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. A sample of 5 couples where one or both partners were caring for a relative with dementia participated in interviews about their experiences in family caregiving and in their romantic relationship, as well as how the 2 roles interacted with each other. Couple members were interviewed separately and together. From these interviews, themes reflecting ways that caregiving influences romantic relationships, as well as ways romantic relationships influence caregiving emerged. Themes about caregiving influencing romantic relationships were caregiver stress interacting in the romantic relationship, the romantic relationship becoming less of a priority, and benefits experienced in the romantic relationship due to caregiving. Themes about romantic relationships influencing caregiving were partners improving the caregiving experience, and workload inequality. These findings broaden our understanding of how dyadic coping affects family caregiving and may suggest ways that the mutual influences caregivers experience between romantic relationships and caregiving benefits and challenges.

Romantic Relationships During Career Building Phase among Urban Indian Emerging Adults

This descriptive study investigates the romantic relationship experiences of emerging adults (N=510) during the career development phase. Emerging adulthood is a stage that typically occurs between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. The most crucial developmental responsibilities during this time are establishing a career and finding a partner. Emerging adults (18 to 25 years old) enrolled in various colleges and institutions throughout Indian states were chosen at random for the study. The urban data points were the focus. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire and a quantitative methodology. Romantic connections and the amount of time spent on educational/career advancement are two significant themes of the paper. It discusses the typical length of romantic partnerships as well as the variations in romantic relationship experiences between male and female participants. Certain statistical measures, such as frequency distribution and measures of connection between socio-demographic and different criteria variables, were utilised to describe the results. Understanding relationship forms and contemporary issues affecting youngsters is made easier by the findings.

The Cultural Self-Construals and the Romantic Relationship Experiences of Turkish Young Adults

ABSTRACT The capacity to form and maintain committed romantic relationships is a key aspect of young adulthood. Yet, little is known about the role of cultural factors, in particular cultural self-construal, and their links to romantic relationships. The goal of the current study was to examine the cultural concepts of autonomous and related self-construal as defined by Kağıtçıbaşı’s Family Change Theory and their association with the quality and satisfaction of non-marital romantic relationships. The sample included 621 Turkish young adults (74.4% female, 83.7% undergraduate students, ages 18–25) who were currently in an exclusive and heterosexual romantic relationship for at least three months. Participants completed informed consent and a 15-minute online survey through Qualtrics. Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated that autonomy self-construal was positively associated with relationship quality and satisfaction, while relatedness self-construal was linked to relationship quality but not satisfaction. Additionally, high levels of commitment significantly predicted better relationship outcomes. The findings suggest a need to explore cultural self-construal and relationship outcomes across cultures.

When worlds collide: The romantic relationship experiences of bisexual‐identifying Asian American men

AbstractRelationships, their processes, and outcomes are shaped by sociocultural norms and practices. The specialty of counseling psychology emphasizes the importance of a holistic understanding of the social context of lived experience as it affects health and well‐being. We used a queer paradigm and an intersectional approach to inquire about the romantic relationship experiences of 15 bisexual‐identifying Asian American men (BIAAM) who were at least 23 years old. In‐depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. A recursive process of coding resulted in findings that focused on the influence of gender and bisexual stigma on romantic relationship experiences. Relationship experiences were constructed in the context of White hegemonic masculinity norms requiring the performance of dominance and emotional restriction. Experiences of bisexual stigma included fears of rejection from gay and Asian communities that shaped the choice of partners and disclosure and concealment decisions. BIAAM create and maintain their romantic relationships in a social context that challenges them to straddle socially constructed binaries and hierarchies for performing gender, sexuality, and race. We discuss the implications of the findings for culturally competent and effective intervention.

“Never Learned to Love Properly”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Romantic Relationship Experiences in Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents

Narcissism is a personality trait characterised by selfishness, coldness, entitlement, and grandiosity. There has been much research on different parenting dimensions and their relationship to narcissism in grown-up children, with a notable lack of studies investigating the influence of narcissistic parents on their children. This study focused on individuals’ experiences in romantic relationships, using personal narratives from a popular ‘Reddit’ community for people who perceived to have grown up with narcissistic parents. Using an inductive thematic analysis on 77 Reddit posts, we identified four themes: (i) Strategies and emotions in current relationships, (ii) behaviours and characteristics of partners and their families, (iii) parent intrusiveness in current relationships, and (iv) journey to realisation and recovery. Themes are discussed in relation to existing literature and theory. We add to the sparse literature on narcissistic parents’ influence in adult relationships, highlighting the importance of process from parental behaviour to adult romantic relationships.

The Influence of Peers, Romantic Partners, and Families on Emerging Adults' Sexual Behavior.

Prior research acknowledges that families and peers influence adolescents' sexual behaviors. Far fewer studies have explored whether and how families and peers influence sexual behaviors among emerging adults, especially among those in committed intimate partnerships, while also accounting for dynamics specific to the intimate relationship and respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. Even less is known about whether and how previous romantic relationship experiences might influence emerging adults' future sexual behavior both within and outside the confines of committed intimate partnerships. Drawing on longitudinal data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study, we examined how emerging adults' family backgrounds, peers' sexual attitudes and behaviors, and past and current relationship experiences influenced their engagement in casual sex and sexual non-exclusivity. We found that each of these contexts was significant predictors of emerging adults' casual sex, and that both peers and romantic relationship experiences significantly influenced the likelihood of engaging in sexually non-exclusive behaviors among those in committed dating, cohabiting, and marital partnerships. We discuss potential theoretical mechanisms linking these relationships and provide suggestions for future research.

Tradeoffs, Constraints, and Strategies in Transgender and Nonbinary Young Adults' Romantic Relationships: The Identity Needs in Relationships Framework.

Prior research suggests that prejudice and structural disadvantage (e.g., cissexism, racism, sexism) put transgender and nonbinary (TNB) young adults at risk for adverse romantic relationship experiences, yet supportive romantic relationships may help TNB young adults cope with these stressors and promote their psychological wellbeing. Accordingly, there is a need to better understand how TNB young adults navigate romantic relationships in the context of prejudice and structural disadvantage. To address this topic, we analyzed in-depth interviews with TNB young adults (18-30 years; N=30) using template-style thematic analysis, guided by intersectionality as an analytical framework. Our analysis resulted in three themes. Theme 1 describes how prejudice and structural disadvantage constrained the strategies that TNB young adults used to pursue fulfilling romantic relationships (e.g., leaving adverse relationships). Theme 2 addresses the tradeoffs that some participants faced in their romantic relationships, including tradeoffs between psychological needs related to their social identities (e.g., gender identity affirmation) and general psychological needs (e.g., intimacy). Theme 3 highlights individual and contextual factors (e.g., lessons from prior romantic relationships) that helped participants build fulfilling romantic relationship. These themes form the basis for the Identity Needs in Relationships Framework, a new conceptual framework addressing how TNB young adults navigate romantic relationships in the context of prejudice and structural disadvantage. The framework offers an explanation for why some TNB young adults maintain romantic relationships that seem to undermine their wellbeing, and it draws attention to strategies and resources that may help TNB young adults form fulfilling romantic relationships despite the prejudice and structural disadvantage they face.

Experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner when in need of love and support.

As most early adults in long-term romantic relationships rely on their partner to fulfill their relational needs, relationships with romantic partners are very important to many people at this time of life. However, there is a group of individuals for whom their long-term partner is not the most important person when they need love and support. This study explored experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner to meet these needs. Twelve individuals in early adulthood (Mage =33.3 years; SD =0.54) were selected from a larger community sample (N =124) based on their answers on a questionnaire about who they turn to when in need of love and support. A thematic analysis of their answers in interviews about romantic relationships resulted in three main themes: Distancing attitudes toward romantic relationships, Desirable aspects of romantic relationships, and Not thinking about romantic relationships. The results show that these early adults' reflections on romantic relationships were characterized by ambivalence, striving toward independence, and relating to their partner as a person to have fun with rather than someone to share a deep connection with. Participants also expressed disagreement with what they perceived as norms concerning romantic relationships. Taken together, this study illustrates that the experiences of early adults who do not turn to their long-term partner to meet needs of love and support are characterized by a complex interaction between contradictory feelings, values, and behaviors.

Changing the blame game: Associations between relationship mindfulness, loneliness, negative partner attributions, and subsequent conflict

Given the important associations between couple conflict and various physical and mental health outcomes, it is essential to explore factors that may catalyze or exacerbate the frequency and impact of conflict in romantic relationships. One such factor may be relationship mindfulness, or the tendency to have a nonjudgmental awareness of one’s experiences in romantic relationships. Previous research has demonstrated a link between relationship mindfulness and various relational outcomes, but its association with relationship conflict has not yet been explored. Additionally, the current study sought to explore the mechanisms that link relationship mindfulness and relational outcomes. Based on previous research connecting conflict to negative partner attributions, the study examined how relationship mindfulness may predict conflict through negative partner attributions. Furthermore, the study aimed to incorporate loneliness as a potential mediator between relationship mindfulness and negative partner attributions. A sample of 116 different-sex middle-aged married couples were recruited to complete an online assessment. Using an actor–partner interdependence mediation model, the results indicated several significant associations among relationship mindfulness, negative partner attributions, loneliness, and relationship conflict. For example, a significant indirect effect was found; that is, female relationship mindfulness was associated with decreased relationship conflict via its prior association with both male loneliness and additionally through male loneliness and subsequent male negative partner attributions. The results indicate that by employing interventions that increase relationship mindfulness, it may be possible to both reduce loneliness and encourage more charitable partner attributions which, in turn, may reduce couple conflict.

Perceptions of Weight Change Among Romantic Partners: Considering Body Image, Relationship Experiences, Gender, and Sexual Orientation.

Romantic relationship experiences have been found to be relevant to body image and weight in adulthood. In this study, we investigated predictors of heterosexual, lesbian, and gay romantic partners' (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners' weight at the beginning of their relationship and 4.8 years later, on average. Perceived changes in participants' own weight status was associated with greater body dissastisfaction and longer relationship length. Perceived changes in partners' weight status was associated with their partners' BMI, as well as relationship quality. We also found that gender was important in understanding some of these associations. Implications of weight perceptions for individuals' and their partners' health and well-being and the critical role of relationship quality are discussed in the context of the health regulation model.

Sexuality, Sexual Behavior, and Relationships of Asexual Individuals: Differences Between Aromantic and Romantic Orientation.

Asexuality is a complex construct with a considerable lack of research until recently. Building upon available findings, we examined the extent to which romantic orientation shapes individual and relationship experiences, and expectations of asexual individuals. Specifically, our research focused on the distinction between romantic asexual individuals, who experience romantic attraction, and aromantic asexual individuals, who do not experience romantic attraction. A cross-sectional study with members of different asexual online communities (N = 447, 55.02% women; Mage = 24.77 years, SD = 7.21) aimed at examining how both groups differ in their identification with the asexuality construct as measured by the Asexuality Identification Scale (Yule et al., 2017), individual perspectives on sexuality, sexual behavior and relationships, concerns about commitment and sexual performance in a relationship, and attachment style. Results showed that aromantic asexual individuals identified more with asexuality, reported a more avoidant attachment style, and were more concerned with relationship commitment. In contrast, romantic asexual individuals reported less sex aversion, more sexual experiences (both past and current), and more sexual partners in the past. These individuals also engaged in romantic relationships more frequently in the past, had a stronger desire to engage in a romantic relationship in future (either with or without sexual intimacy), and were more concerned with sexual performance. Overall, our findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the need to consider romantic orientation when examining asexuality and its interpersonal outcomes.