The Challenge of Romantic Relationships in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Whereas theories of romantic stage development suggest that youth in the period of emerging adulthood are fully capable of commitment to an intimate romantic relationship, recent research suggests that the relationships of many young people are quite different. Marriage and other forms of deep commitment are delayed while many youth engage in short-term casual encounters or in noncommitted relationships. This chapter suggests that these data pose a challenge to stage theories, one that can be reconciled by considering the developmental life tasks that emerging adults must simultaneously resolve. The authors propose a transitional emerging adult romantic stage, coordinating romance and life plans, in which young people strive to integrate career paths and life plans with those of a romantic partner. Resolution of this stage provides the grounding for long-term commitment to a life partner. This proposal is discussed within the perspective of life cycle and evolutionary life history theories.

Longitudinal Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization in Latino Emerging Adults

“…Especially limited are longitudinal studies examining cultural predictors in high school, of intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in emerging adulthood. This gap is critical because emerging adulthood is an important developmental period when romantic relationships are taking shape and interpersonal patterns are forming (Arnett 2000;Shulman and Connolly 2013;Zarrett and Eccles 2006). Intimate partner violence is known to peak in emerging adulthood, yet this phenomenon during an important developmental period remains largely understudied and warrants more research (Capaldi and Kim 2007;Johnson et al 2015;O'Leary 1999;Unger et al 2014).…”

“…Distinguished from adolescence (ages 12-18), emerging adulthood is considered a period in which individuals navigate relationship commitment (Arnett 2000;Shulman and Connolly 2013). Early romantic relationship patterns during this period can be precursors to interpersonal relationships later in life (Collins et al 2009;Zarrett and Eccles 2006).…”

The Significance of Parental Reflective Function in the Adjustment of Young Adults

“…This might explain why parental reflectivity has a more long-lasting effect than parenting behavior per se. Furthermore, early adulthood necessitates further consolidation of an integrative perception of one's self (McAdams 2013), as well as development of intimate relationships (Shulman and Connolly 2013). The capacity to take the other's perspective and to manage negative affect are crucial for a mutually rewarding relationships (Long 1993;Thomas and Fletcher 2003).…”

Goal pursuit in young adulthood: The role of personality and motivation in goal appraisal trajectories across 6years

“…Israel is considered a Western culture and economic system and young people face similar dilemmas and uncertainties while making the transition to adulthood (Mayseless & Scharf, 2003). For example, marriage age has been postponed in the last decades and is similar to that in other Western cultures (Shulman & Connolly, 2013). However, Israeli young people are subjected to compulsory military service for a period of 2 or 3 years, and a possible impact of military service on personal responsibility and decision making (Lieblich, 1990) and subsequent goal striving cannot be ruled out.…”