The Challenge of Romantic Relationships in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Although 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. In this article, we suggest that these data pose a challenge to stage theories that can be reconciled by considering the developmental life tasks that emerging adults must simultaneously resolve. We propose a transitional emerging adult romantic stage, coordinating romance and life plans, in which young people strive to integrate their 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.

Abilities in Romantic Relationships and Well-Being Among Emerging Adults

“…The romantic relationships in college may provide opportunities for practicing relationship skills, exploring one's identity, and developing abilities for intimacy (Shulman & Connolly, 2013). The findings in this study highlight the importance of self-efficacy in romantic relationships contributing to overall happiness, less psychological distress, and self-esteem.…”

“…Certainly, relational anxiety may directly have influence on one's engagement in romantic relationships as well as sexual activity. For some individuals, high levels of relational anxiety may prompt them to refrain or withdraw from social activities that are developmentally and contextually important in the movement toward adulthood and throughout the life course (Shulman & Connolly, 2013). Furthermore, those individuals with greater relational anxiety in youth have been found to be more likely to never have been married, to become separated, and to be divorced in adulthood (Lampe, Slade, Issakidis, & Andrews, 2003).…”

“…Initiating, establishing, and maintaining a romantic relationship requires a complex set of skills that may be unfolding, developmentally and socially, for emerging-adult college students (Shulman & Connolly, 2013). Individuals may draw on their past relational experiences, their emotional responses to dating partners, and their beliefs about romantic relationships as they build romantic relationships.…”

The Contribution of Personal and Social Resources towards the Prediction of Ethiopian Students' Academic Achievements

“…In addition, external sources of social support also play a meaningful role in development and in the transitions between secondary school and work, and from university to the world of employment. In these cases, extra-familial social resources such as friends and partners have been found to predict a good and a long-term adaptation (Shulman & Connolly, 2013).…”

“…These are resources whose contribution has been proven in the domains of achievements and quality of life (Bridges et al, 2006;Shulman & Connolly, 2013). However, this lack can be explained by considering the disadvantages of migration from the viewpoint of familial and interpersonal support.…”