Catching feelings: Exploring commitment (un)readiness in emerging adulthood

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates how emerging adults (EAs) experience catching feelings. Applying the Stages of Change Model and Relational Receptivity Theory, this study investigates how EAs understand the cognitive and behavior changes leading up to commitment and how they process precontemplation surrounding catching feelings. Using focus group interviews, collegiate EAs ( N = 17) define catching feelings as the unintentional, unexpected, and surprisingly desirable development of romantic feelings for another person (commonly beginning face-to-face). When confronted with catching feelings, EAs must delineate their preconditions for catching feelings and work through decision-making processes. Implications for relationship readiness, communication, and commitment are discussed.

Understanding singlehood as a complex and multifaceted experience: Insights from relationship science

“…However, attending college may be an optimal context for meeting romantic partners due to the presence of similarly aged peers (Sprecher, 2019). This can create a context in which young adults unexpectantly, and unintentionally, become romantically partnered (LeFebvre & Carmack, 2020). Thus, the developmental tasks related to education can potentially be both a barrier to and a facilitator of romantic involvement.…”

The Role of Shame, Stigma, and Family Communication Patterns in the Decision to Disclose STIs to Parents in Order to Seek Support

“…EAs embark on a period of personal growth and sexual exploration [ 3 ], and form their own attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs [ 4 ]. The ramifications of the ever-lingering hookup culture, accidentally catching feelings [ 13 ], and online dating and social networking sites [ 14 ] leave EAs with some uncertainty, intense emotions, the need to address their own emotions, and the need to gain some awareness. However, during this process of individuation [ 15 , 16 ], adult children may desire more restrictive boundaries around information and between themselves and their parents, especially as it pertains to risky and sexual behaviors [ 3 ].…”

Conceptualizing the Friendzone Phenomenon

“…Some relationship lexicon highlights movement between friendship and romantic relationships showing changing statuses and desires, and, subsequently, ambiguity in both form and function of the operationalization of those relationships. Emergent lexicon includes but are not limited to the following conceptualizations: on-again/off-again (Dailey et al, 2009), hooking-up (Owen et al, 2010), relationship churning (Halpern-Meekin et al, 2012), back burner relationships (Dibble et al, 2018), ghosting , and catching feelings (LeFebvre & Carmack, 2019). Emergent contemporary vocabulary offers opportunities to explore relational development between shifting individual and dyadic level interests.…”