Young Adults’ Romantic Relationship Status: A Study of Psychological Influences

Abstract

The study delves into the rising trend of situationships among young adults, offering flexibility and freedom without the commitment pressure of traditional relationships. Situationships serve as a compatibility test, fostering intimacy, communication, and transparency while allowing individuals to explore relationships with less emotional investment. This shift challenges conventional relationship structures, providing a framework for understanding non-traditional partnerships. However, the lack of defined rules in situationships can lead to ambiguity and potential stress. The study analyzes descriptive statistics related to relationship quality, parenting styles (permissive and authoritative), impulsivity, and emotional intelligence, revealing differences between individuals in romantic relationships and situationships. Conducted in Pune city, the research involved 114 participants in romantic relationships and 100 in situationships. Using scales like the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) to assess parenting styles, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale for impulsivity, the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale for emotional intelligence, and the Relationship Quality scale to measure the quality of relationships, the study highlighted the significant impact of these factors on romantic relationship status. Additionally, the research explored differences related to the influence of dating apps on relationships and gender differences within romantic relationships. These insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics in young adults’ romantic relationships, emphasizing the need for thorough research to grasp these intricate interactions fully.