Romantic involvement and adolescents' academic and psychosocial functioning in Chinese societies

Li, Xuan; Huang, Ching-Yu Soar; Shen, April Chiung-Tao

Abstract

This study explores the effects of romantic involvement and dating behaviors on adolescent academic and psychosocial functioning in Chinese societies, where adolescent dating is generally discouraged and believed to generate adverse outcomes. Adolescents (male = 48.6%; MeanAge = 15.20 years) from Taiwan (N = 1081) and mainland China (N = 684) were recruited through stratified sampling to complete self-report surveys on their academic performance, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, relationship status, and gender-role beliefs. Adolescents with current or past dating experiences were also asked about specific dating behaviors, such as the onset of dating, number of relationships, and breakup experiences. Approximately one-third of Chinese adolescents surveyed (34.2%) have past or ongoing dating experience, who showed poorer academic performance compared to never-dated teens. In the full sample, single adolescents with past dating experiences reported greater depressive symptoms than those currently dating or never-dated teens. Boys with past dating experience showed higher self-esteem than their currently dating or never-dated peers, whereas single girls with past dating experience showed lower self-esteem than their currently dating or never-dated counterparts. Among adolescents with dating experience, early dating, over-dating, sexual activities, and breakup experiences can undermine their academic and psychosocial well-being. These findings have significant implications for practice and policy regarding adolescent education and mental health.

Citation

Li, X., Huang, C. S., & Shen, A. C. (2019). Romantic involvement and adolescents' academic and psychosocial functioning in Chinese societies. Children and Youth Services Review, 96, 108-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.036

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 16, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2018
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2023
• Journal: Children and Youth Services Review
• Print ISSN: 0190-7409
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 96
• Pages: 108-117
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.036
• Keywords: Sociology and Political Science; Developmental and Educational Psychology; Education
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Romantic involvement and adolescents' academic and psychosocial functioning in Chinese societies; Journal Title: Children and Youth Services Review; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.036; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.