Concept Systems, Inc.: The Intricacies Of Teen Dating

Concept Systems, Inc. (2014) the results of this study emphasize that teen dating relationships are complex and multidimensional. As formative experiences in adolescent development, dating relationships can include a range of thoughts, actions, feelings and behaviors that vary considerably in their collective impact and outcomes. To date, the field has lacked a well specified, operational conceptualization of adolescent romantic relationships (Collins et al., 2009). The constructs and their interrelationships realized through this study provide a robust basis for resolving definitional ambiguity and further understanding the intricacies of teen dating. In supporting NIJ’s efforts to address teen dating violence, these results shed light

al. (2016) despite its limitations, this study provides unique insights into the romantic concerns of adolescent help-seekers. Post-relationship concerns, especially breakups, present significant challenges for adolescents of all ages and genders, and had the strongest associations with concurrent mental health, suicide and self-harm risk. Together, these findings highlight the importance of supporting adolescents seeking help for romantic relationship concerns and the need to develop preventative and early intervention resources and programs aimed at increasing adolescents’ ability to cope with romance, particularly at the dissolution

al. (2012) adolescents’ romantic experiences and relationships warrant attention. Even when they are short-lived, they can have a major impact on adolescents’ day-to-day lives, and influence their emotional and social development, their future functioning and their experience and expectations of intimate relationships in adulthood. Some researchers have suggested that it may be helpful to think of adolescents beginning to develop romantic relationships as being similar to learning how to drive a car (see (16)). It can be fun and rewarding, allowing adolescents to learn new skills and increase their independence. However, just as there is some level of risk involved every time you drive a car, there are risks involved in developing romantic relationships and these risks are highest when we are young and inexperienced. Similarly to the way in which the degree of risk involved in driving depends on a number of factors, the risks associated with involvement in romantic relationships depend heavily on the types of relationships and experiences adolescents have. The quality of the relationship (e.g. supportive or not), the seriousness of it (e.g. casual dating vs. a committed relationship), the timing (e.g. ‘early’, ‘typical’ or ‘late’ onset), experiences of break-ups (e.g. a particularly humiliating or painful break-up), partner characteristics and the other supports a young person has available (e.g. parents, friends) all influence the degree of risk a young person