Characteristics and Predictors of Romantic Relationships in Late Adolescence and Young Adulthood in Hong Kong and Australia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine occurrence of romantic relationships and relationship break-ups among young adults in Hong Kong and Australia and to explore associations between relationship style, identity status, negative affect, cultural group, and relationship experiences. Data were collected from Chinese tertiary students in Hong Kong (n = 279) and Anglo-Australian tertiary students in Melbourne, Australia (n = 204). Participants completed a questionnaire including demographics, romantic relationship items, the Love Schemas Scale measuring romantic relationship style, the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Secure relationship style and more mature identity statuses were associated with having had a romantic relationship. Among those young people with romantic relationship experience, break-ups were less common for those with a foreclosed identity status, skittish (avoidant) relationship style, and Hong Kong Chinese background. Negative mood was higher among those for whom a break-up had been recent. Hurt experienced following a break-up was greater when the break-up was partner initiated and among those with less secure relationship styles and identity statuses. Overall, individual factors were stronger predictors of relationship status than cultural factors.

Difficulties in the Close Social Relationships of Slovenian Students during the Covid-19 pandemic

“…Towards the end of adolescence, romantic partners and friends become the main source of emotional support and companionship (Fuligni & Masten, 2010;Pnevmatikos & Bardos, 2014;Shulman & Kipnis, 2001). Interest in and formation of romantic/intimate relationships is a normative rite of passage for young people (Moore et al, 2012). Moreover, romantic experiences and sexual experimentation in adolescence and the early twenties provide the foundation for building personal preferences for emotional and physical intimacy that later lead to more mature romantic relationships and sexual behaviours (van de Bongardt et al, 2015).…”

Why Did It End? Breakup Reasons of Youth of Different Gender, Dating Stages, and Ages

“…A. Dailey, Rossetta, Pfiester, & Surra, 2009;Moore et al, 2012). For some youths, romantic breakup may be linked to positive outcomes, such as postbreakup growth (e.g., Lewandowski & Bizzoco, 2007;Moore et al, 2012;Tashiro & Frazier, 2003).…”

“…Dailey, Rossetta, Pfiester, & Surra, 2009;Moore et al, 2012). For some youths, romantic breakup may be linked to positive outcomes, such as postbreakup growth (e.g., Lewandowski & Bizzoco, 2007;Moore et al, 2012;Tashiro & Frazier, 2003). However, for others, it is associated with intense, adverse outcomes such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and maladaptive coping (Fleming, White, Oesterle, Haggerty, & Catalano, 2010;Joyner & Udry, 2000;Monroe, Rohde, Seeley, & Lewinsohn, 1999).…”

“…Although duration of romantic relationships increases over the course of adolescence and emerging adulthood, typically these relationships are less lasting and committed than adult ones and are marked by more frequent disruptions (J. A. Connolly & McIsaac, 2009; Dailey, Rossetta, Pfiester, & Surra, 2009; Moore et al, 2012). For some youths, romantic breakup may be linked to positive outcomes, such as postbreakup growth (e.g., Lewandowski & Bizzoco, 2007; Moore et al, 2012; Tashiro & Frazier, 2003).…”

“…Romantic relationships are a key aspect of adolescent and emerging adult development, and breakups are an integral component (J. A. Connolly & McIsaac, 2009; Furman & Schaffer, 2003; Moore, Leung, Karnilowicz, & Lung, 2012). Yet, the causes for these breakups have been largely understudied (J.…”