Relationship Between Platonic And Romantic Relationships

The transition from childhood to emerging adulthood consists of a unique and distinctive period in an individual’s life regarding their network of platonic and romantic relationships. Extra-familial relationships become more central in an individual’s social world; thus, an individual’s capacity for intimate relationships begins to develop with both friends and romantic partners (Allen Land, 1999). Simultaneously, a romantic partner quickly becomes the focus in one’s relationship hierarchy (Collins van Dulmen, 20006). Each emerging adult’s relationship quality as well as their attachment bond with their romantic partners constitutes a primary role in their transition into adulthood (Arnett, 2000), and it is also important in†¦show more content†¦Previous studies have indicated that sexual intimacy, or lack thereof, can be a source of instability or dissatisfaction in relationships. Romantic relationship instability is a common problem in western civilization as evidenced by recent divorce rates across the nation (Ceners for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Currently, the United States has the highest divorce rate of any Western Nation, with a divorce rate of 6.8 per 1,000 individuals in 2012 (CDC, 2012). Approximately one-half of all first marriages end in dissolution in the United States, and even higher rates of divorce are present for second marriages (Broman, 2002). Additionally, those who cohabitate and are not married are more likely to separate than those who are married (Kiernan, 200). However, rates of divorce tend to underestimate the problem relating to relationship distress and dissatisfaction given that some couples choose to remain in their relationships even when they perceive their relationship to be of poor satisfaction and/or stability (Karney Bradbury, 1995). Interestingly enough, the sexuality of sexual-minority (lesbian, bisexual, queer, unlabeled, questioning, etc.) females who are currently in a committed relationship has received little to no