Question

Will Rate

In adolescence peer and romantic relationships become increasingly important. As discussed before, adolescents often engage in risky behavior and this regularly extends to relationships. Discuss characteristics of adolescent romantic relationships. Relate what elements are important for adolescents to develop healthy romantic relationships and how that can be achieved. Also discuss potential outcomes of negative adolescent relationships. Review how relationships in adolescence might impact an individual long-term.

Answer 1

A romantic relationship is the hallmark of adolescence. It is regarded as the potentially significant relational factor in the individual development and well being. The term 'romantic relationship' refers to mutually acknowledged ongoing voluntary interaction. It is different from other peer relationship in terms of intensity and current or anticipated sexual behaviour.it involves varied behavioural, cognitive and emotional phenomena that do not involve direct experiences with the romantic partner, e.g, fantasies and one-sided attraction as well as the non-romantic sexual encounter (hooking up).

The extent of a healthy romantic relationship depends on the quality of it which means the degree to which partners manifest intimacy, affection and nurturance. High-quality relationship comprises of supportiveness and intimacy, both emotional and physical. Low-quality relationships are marked by irritation, antagonism and high level of conflict and controlling behaviour. Closeness plays a major role in developing a relationship. it is defined in terms of defined in terms of reciprocity and authority. Reciprocal or horizontal relationships are characterized as relatively egalitarian affiliations, marked by mutuality and equitable interchanges. Authority or vertical relationships are characterized by unilateral power, marked by a lack of mutuality and an absence of equality. Reciprocity is very important for a healthy relationship because if one will tend to be self-centered in a mutual relationship then it won't last long because the very nature of a mutual relationship is to give and take.

Adolescents are largely governed by their hormones and less by their logic. Though they might be physically ready but emotional maturity is required too to have a sensible and productive relationship. If they get physically involved with a wrong person then the greater impact is made on emotional aspect apart from physical too (e.g. unwanted pregnancy). If their sexual encounter isn't satisfying for them or their partners then they might develop inferiority and complex and suffer from low self-esteem as well as poor personality development. Adolescent break-ups are really hard to go through as they have the audacity to impact overall personality and can negatively affect the development. Youngsters also have a tendency to become the drug addict and suffer from depression or anxiety if the relationship isn't fulfilling. They also tend to be aggressive and show anti-social behaviour as well as the self-harming tendency.

Adolescent relationship plays a vital role in identity formation and personality development as it is a time to reflect upon and try out different identities. It affects general and specific content dimensions of identity formation and consolidation. A positive experience can lead to positive romantic self-concept and view of the self as an attractive partner which in turn should contribute to healthy global self-esteem during both adolescence and childhood. It is also important for identity validation for sexual minority youth because their partners are usually the only source of the types of emotional, intellectual and sexual intimacy needed to help them to work through the process of sexual and romantic partner identity formation and consolidation.