Correlates of Romantic Relationship Among Young Adults in India

The study aimed at understanding the variables associated with romantic relationship in unmarried youth. A sample of 453 students in the age range of 18-24 from two south Indian universities participated in the study. A survey was conducted among the participants using tools on personality, social influence on romantic relationship, interpersonal attraction, romantic inclination and socio-demographic and relationship status. Analysis of the data revealed that male students were more romantically inclined than female counterpart did. Students who had experienced a romantic relationship (Lovers) had more romantic inclination than those who had not experienced a relationship (Non-lovers). Lovers and non-lovers did not differ in their personality factors and interpersonal attraction. Lovers scored higher on media and peer group influence on romantic relationship than non-lovers. Romantic inclination was significantly related to personality factors, media and peer influences on romantic relationships and interpersonal attraction. Analysis of data using Structural Equation Modeling indicated that, personality, media influence and peer influence had a significant effect on romantic inclination. Romantic inclination in turn significantly predicted love status of youth.