Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India

Abstract

Increased interest in romantic relationships is central in adolescents' lives and has long been considered defining features of adolescence. Romantic relationships have significant influence on emotional wellbeing of adolescents. In Indian context, scientific literature on adolescent girls in romantic relationship is very minimal and studies focused upon sexuality-related issues and premarital sexual relationship. Due to social and cultural aspects, few adolescent girls who are involved in romantic relationship run away from home. These girls would come under care and protection under many circumstances such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, etc. The present study analyses the case reports in understanding the issues of adolescents in RR issues and the process of interventions provided. A total of 50 girls who were in RR were selected for the study Mean age is 16.34 years (SD ± 0.93) with a range of 14-18 years. About 78% were from lower socio economic status. It is important to understand their issues to provide psycho social intervention and facilitate healthy transition to adulthood. This has implication for designing intervention based on development perspective. Always adolescents in romantic relationship are under the conflict over prioritizing between their parents versus their romantic partner, when they forced to choose one.

POCSO Act, 2012: Consensual Sex as a Matter of Tug of War Between Developmental Need and Legal Obligation for the Adolescents in India

“…Although the concept is evolving, in most of the Indian states, adolescent romantic relationship is considered to be a taboo against the dignity and honor of the family, more so when differences in religion, caste, or economic class are involved. 4 , 8 , 19 , 20 The ultimate decision of selecting a life partner within the goodness of fit pattern of the family network would be vested on the parents or other significant members in the family. Till then, strict parental supervision would be involved in any matters related to the romantic relationship.…”

“…Therefore, the adolescents have many dilemmas in forming a romantic relationship that is developmentally appropriate but is against the value system of the culture they live in. 4 , 21 However, research studies assessing this phenomenon are scarce in India. 7 …”

“…13 , 16 This could be an indication of disapproval by the family of their romantic relationship, more so when there is a difference in religion, class, and/or class between the child and their romantic partner. 4 , 20 In this case, separating their union by putting the boy behind the bar and to prevent the communication between them in whatsoever means could be the primary objective of the family. 44 On the other hand, in real cases of sexual abuse, getting justice against the heinous act prevails as the expected outcome in registering a complaint.…”

“…One of the striking features of this developmental phase is the formation of a romantic relationship. [1][2][3][4] As a developmental pathway, 5 healthy romantic relationship among adolescents plays a vital role in molding their personal ideologies regarding intimate relationship and sexuality, along with having the enduring influence on self-esteem and overall wellbeing with the progress to the later stage of life. 1,6 Adolescents strive for greater freedom in making their life choices, more so with selecting a romantic partner.…”

“…Most often, there is a strong resistance from the families to the romantic relationships of adolescents. As a reaction to such resistance, in most of the cases, to secure the relationship, adolescents run away with their romantic partners 4 , 8 and end up in the clutches of the legal framework. As per the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, popularly known as the POCSO Act, the legal age of consent is 18 years, and this prohibits any form of sexual engagement even in the context of a romantic relationship.…”