Examination of Identity and Romantic Relationship Intimacy Associations with Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

This study examined identity and romantic relationship intimacy associations with emerging adults' well-being. Examination of identity status differences in well-being indicated emerging adults in foreclosed and achieved identity statuses reported higher well-being levels than identity diffuse and moratorium emerging adults. Results also indicated gender moderation of identity status differences in romantic relationship intimacy. Identity diffuse and moratorium women reported more intimate relationships than diffuse and moratorium men. Further, identity diffuse, foreclosed, and achieved emerging adult women reported higher romantic relationship intimacy than identity moratorium women whereas identity foreclosed and achieved emerging adult men reported higher intimacy than identity diffuse and moratorium men. Finally, results indicated positive associations between romantic relationship intimacy and well-being. This study supports previous identity status differences in well-being and also suggests that romantic relationship intimacy contributes to emerging adults' well-being. Findings are discussed with regard to the theoretical and empirical importance of considering identity and romantic relationship characteristics when examining emerging adult social and psychological well-being.

Economic Insecurity and Separation–individuation in Portuguese Emerging Adults

“…Results suggested that it is not the financial stress per se that is associated with the difficulties in developing a sense of self inside a significant relationship, but that this variable seems to have an impact on psychological well-being that can interfere with the separationindividuation process. Several studies evidenced the association between dimensions of wellbeing, in general, and self-esteem and depression, in particular, with romantic relationships and intimacy (e.g., Johnson et al, 2012;Joyner and Udry, 2000). In line with identity capital theory (Côté, 2002(Côté, , 2006 and empirical research with Portuguese emerging adults (Oliveira et al, 2014), we propose that self-esteem and absence of depressive mood are psychological resources that are likely to be associated with one's agentic ability to manage the difficulties of the autonomy and individuation process.…”

“…The associations between quality of romantic relationship and well-being, specially self-esteem and depression, are well documented (Demir, 2008;Galambos et al, 2006;Johnson, Kent and Yale, 2012;Joyner andUdry, 2000, Karney andBradbury, 2005). Research suggests that relationship intimacy and individuation are relevant components in emerging adults' development having a beneficial impact on self-esteem and depression.…”

Romantic Parasocial Attachments and the Development of Romantic Scripts, Schemas and Beliefs among Adolescents

“…Nevertheless, adolescent parasocial romantic relationships may also serve an adaptive purpose, providing adolescents who are just entering the world of dating with the opportunity to explore and decide on romantic and personal identities, to experiment with sexuality, and to seek out desirable traits for future partners without the risk of rejection, reputation loss or negative health outcomes (e.g., STDs or pregnancy; Engle & Kasser, 2005;Karniol, 2001). For those adolescents who successfully utilize parasocial romance as a tool in identity formation, there may be long-term positive outcomes related to relationship satisfaction and personal well-being (Johnson, Kent, & Yale, 2012). As long-term romantic partner selection is a key task of emerging adulthood, adolescents with stronger senses of self and of what they want (possibly due in part to the exploration done through media relationships) may be more successful and satisfied in the pursuit of fulfilling romantic relationships.…”

“…As such, Social Cognitive Theory would suggest that romantic parasocial relationships should enhance media effects at least as much as non-romantic parasocial relationships. Initial research on romantic parasocial attachments suggests that these relationships might heighten media effects on future partner preferences (Adams-Price & Burnett & Beto, 2000), relationship expectancies (Adams-Price & Burnett & Beto, 2000, Segrin & Nabi, 2002, and ultimately, relational happiness and overall well-being (Galliher, Rostosky, Welsh, & Kawaguchi, 1999;Johnson, Kent & Yale, 2012).…”

Toward a Multi-Dimensional Model of Adolescent Romantic Parasocial Attachment

“…These relationships provide a means for adolescents to explore and define their romantic and sexual identities (Boon & Lomore, 2001;Engle & Kasser, 2005;Karniol, 2001). Initial evidence suggests that adolescent romantic attachments to media figures could influence a) interpretation of media (Cohen, 2002(Cohen, , 2003, b) development of relational scripts, schemas, and normative beliefs (Basil, 1996;Erickson & Dal Cin, 2017), c) future partner preferences (Adams-Price & Burnett & Beto, 2000), d) relationship expectancies (Adams-Price & Burnett & Beto, 2000, Segrin & Nabi, 2002, and ultimately, e) relational happiness and overall well-being (Erickson & Dal Cin, 2017;Galliher, Rostosky, Welsh, & Kawaguchi, 1999;Johnson, Kent & Yale, 2012).…”