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Identifying a Typology of Emerging Adult Romantic Relationships: Implications for Relationship Education
Author(s) -
Beckmeyer Jonathon J.,
Jamison Tyler B.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/fare.12464
Subject(s) - typology , romance , psychology , cohabitation , social psychology , relationship education , developmental psychology , interpersonal relationship , diversity (politics) , sociology , political science , anthropology , psychoanalysis , law
Objective Our objective was to use multiple romantic relationship dimensions to identify a typology of emerging adult romantic relationships. Background Emerging adult romantic relationships vary in terms of their relational dynamics, emotional and physical intimacy, and commitment. Understanding the diversity in emerging adult romantic relationships is crucial for developing effective relationship education for emerging adults as they make decisions about their romantic partnerships. Method Using data from 396 romantically involved but unmarried emerging adults, we used cluster analysis to identify a typology of romantic relationships based on relational dynamics (i.e., warmth and support and negative interactions), relationship duration, consolidation (i.e., number of nights and percentage of free time spent together), and commitment (i.e., likelihood of marrying partner). Results The results indicated five types of relationships: (a) happily consolidated (30.8%), (b) happily independent (18.9%), (c) exploratory (17.9%), (d) stuck (23.0%), and (e) high intensity (9.3%). Demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, current cohabitation, and cycling within the current relationship varied between the relationship types. Conclusions There appear to be meaningful and important variations among the types of romantic relationships that emerging adults pursue. The associations between relationship type and well‐being depends on the interplay between relational dynamics, consolidation, and commitment. Implications Individuals in different types of relationships may require targeted interventions to help them move out of problematic relationships or to help them build skills for developing and maintaining relationship quality. Suggestions for each type of relationship are provided.