https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/pere.12400">
 

Abstract

Forming stable, supportive romantic relationships is an important determinant of well-being for adults. Yet, there has been limited research about if and how prior romantic experiences help individuals develop the capacity to enter into such unions. Using grounded theory methods, relationship history interviews were conducted with 35 young adults who provided data about 256 romantic and sexual relationships. The different relationship forms (e.g., hooking up, casual dating, committed partnering) were found to contribute in nuanced ways to romantic development. Specifically, romantic development was characterized by gaining romantic experience, identifying preferences for partners and partnership, and learning to maintain healthy relational boundaries through a variety of romantic and sexual relationships. These findings contribute to existing knowledge by highlighting the meaning-making processes that promote development through tangible experiences and self-discovery.

Department

Family Studies

Publication Date

8-23-2021

Journal Title

Personal Relationships

Publisher

Wiley

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/pere.12400

Document Type

Article

Rights

© 2021 International Association for Relationship Research.

Comments

This is a preprint of an article published by Wiley in Personal Relationships in 2021, the Version of Record is available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/pere.12400

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