‘Doing’ dating: A cross‐sectional survey of young adults (18–35 years) in Australia and Hong Kong

Abstract

Introduction Dating is an occupation through which people form intimate relationships with others. Despite the importance of intimate relationships for wellbeing, there is limited information available in occupational therapy literature about the activities involved in dating and little guidance for practitioners who wish to support clients from diverse backgrounds who experience difficulties with dating. To address this gap, this study sought to explore dating among young adults (18–35 years) and compare dating activities between two contexts: Australia and Hong Kong. Methods Data were collected using an e‐survey designed for this study and refined using cognitive interviewing (n = 12). It included questions about dating initiation and activities. Study design and reporting was guided by the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and between group comparisons. Reponses to open ended questions were subjected to interpretative content analysis and quantified. Results In total, 2208 young adults aged 18–35 who had at least one dating experience and resided in either Australia or Hong Kong completed the survey. Participants met their dates most commonly through school, friends, dating apps, and work. The most frequent ways to ask a person on a date were by suggesting ‘hanging out’ or going out for food, drink or to the movies. Most participants reported that organising a date required extended negotiation between the parties. Differences were found between participants from Hong Kong and Australia. Conclusions This is the first study of contemporary dating from an occupational perspective and provides an understanding of dating activities in two different cultural contexts.

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