Identifying a Typology of Emerging Adult Romantic Relationships: Implications for Relationship Education

Abstract

ObjectiveOur objective was to use multiple romantic relationship dimensions to identify a typology of emerging adult romantic relationships.BackgroundEmerging 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.MethodUsing 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).ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThere 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.ImplicationsIndividuals 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.

Feeling Stuck: Exploring the Development of Felt Constraint in Romantic Relationships

“…Understanding constraint commitment is particularly important because research has indicated that relationships that continue without sufficient personal commitment tend to lead to poorer outcomes for both individuals (Beckmeyer & Jamison, 2020) and couples (Stanley et al, 2006). Our study adds support for the notion that constraints are not universally bad (Knopp et al, 2015) but must be understood within the context of the developing relationship to determine their likely consequences.…”

“…When young adults feel stuck in their romantic relationships, they may also sacrifice personal goals (e.g., educational or occupational opportunities) to maintain the relationship (Kefalas et al, 2011; Shulman & Connolly, 2013). Thus, relationships being sustained by constraint commitment may create a context that undermines, rather than promotes, individual development and well‐being (Beckmeyer & Jamison, 2020). The present study used qualitative data from young adults to explore the circumstances that lead individuals to remain in relationships after their personal desire to stay together has eroded.…”

“…Experiencing constraint‐based commitment may be fairly common for young adults. In three separate studies of young adult romantic relationship typologies, researchers found that 23% to 30% of individuals were in a type of relationship that was relatively long‐lasting (suggesting commitment and stability) but featured moderate or negative relationship dynamics (e.g., higher conflict, lower warmth and supportiveness) or ambivalence about the relationship's future (Beckmeyer & Jamison, 2020; Manlove et al, 2014; Roberson et al, 2017). It is not clear whether the members of these couples felt stuck, but the relatively low quality of these relationships paired with their low expectation of getting married suggests that something other than personal commitment may have been keeping them together.…”

“…It is not clear whether the members of these couples felt stuck, but the relatively low quality of these relationships paired with their low expectation of getting married suggests that something other than personal commitment may have been keeping them together. Being in this type of relationship was related to negative individual outcomes, such as higher depressive symptomology and lower life satisfaction, compared with relationships with either less commitment or more positive relational dynamics (Beckmeyer & Jamison, 2020).…”

Romantic Relationship Education: A Literature Review with Recommendations for Turkiye

“…Finally, as part of the identity development processes of adolescents, integrating experiences that provide a safe discussion and navigation where adolescents can explore their understanding of gender roles, the meaning of a romantic relationship, and ideal partner would be developmentally supportive (Simpson et al 2018, Stanley et al 2020. Since emerging adulthood is now characterized by the process of developing commitment in close relationships, it is considered important to include elements such as evaluating and making decisions about healthy and unhealthy relationships, relationship phases and characteristics, problem-solving and selfregulation in relationships (Beckmeyer andJamison 2021, Davila 2021).…”