The interpersonal context of romantic autonomy in adolescence

This study explored the interpersonal context of romantic autonomy in mid a dolescence by examining within-relationship links with romantic intimacy an d affiliation, links across relationships with mothers and friends, and ind ividual differences due to age and gender. Two hundred and thirty adolescen ts in grades 9, 10 and 11 with a current romantic partner, completed self-r eport questionnaires assessing their relationships. The results indicated t hat romantic autonomy was positively linked to romantic intimacy and affili ation, although this link differed according to the duration of the romanti c relationship. The results also indicated that romantic autonomy was highe r among girls than boys. Finally, romantic autonomy was uniquely linked to intimacy and autonomy in both maternal and friend relationships. Overall, t his study highlights the interconnection of intimacy and autonomy in romant ic relationships and the interconnections across relationships. (C) 2001 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.