#2007-03 Romantic Relationships from Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

Abstract

Theories on romantic relationship development posit a progression of involvement and intensity with age, relationship duration, and experience in romantic relationships. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study tests these propositions by considering relationship type and patterns of relationships over the course of adolescence and their influence on relationship formation in young adulthood. Findings confirm that relationships become more exclusive, dyadic, of longer duration, and more emotionally and sexually intimate over the course of adolescence. Relationship experience in adolescence is associated with an increased likelihood of cohabitation and marriage in young adulthood. Finally, individuals’ ascribed characteristics of gender, race/ethnicity, family structure, and income status have influences on adolescent romantic relationships that persist into young adulthood.

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