Factors Influencing Adolescents in Emotionally Unhealthy Relationships

Abstract

This study investigates the nature of emotionally abusive relationships among adolescents, focusing on various psychological factors such as intermittent reinforcement, social inequity, cognitive dissonance, the foot-in-the-door phenomenon, self-esteem, and social support system. In this quantitative approach, the self-report questionnaire was administered to 122 adolescents, aged 12-21. We obtained data from them pertaining to their experiences in emotionally unhealthy romantic relationships. Significant findings for the various factors being tested were found. There was also a comparative analysis of attachment styles and their influences on relationship dynamics with some noteworthy findings in style differences within this group. Using this research, we aim to aid the understanding of the influence of various factors influencing adolescents in emotionally unhealthy relationships as well as applying our research to have real-life benefits via the formation of interventions and social support systems geared towards helping adolescents in emotionally unhealthy relationships.