Intimate Interpersonal Bonds, Emotion Recognition, and Rejection Sensitivity among Emerging Adults

Title of the Project:

Intimate Interpersonal Bonds, Emotion Recognition, and Rejection Sensitivity among Emerging Adults

Introduction:

The evolution of dating practices across history reflects a complex interplay of cultural, social, and technological factors, shaping the formation of romantic connections. In India, the concept of "romantic love" holds cultural significance, traditionally viewed as separate from marriage, which was seen as a societal obligation. However, societal changes, such as extended education periods, increased interaction opportunities, and delayed marriages, have altered relationship patterns. The 21st century saw the rise of liberal dating practices, with technological advancements facilitating casual interactions and shifting attitudes towards premarital sex. Rejection sensitivity and emotion recognition play crucial roles in contemporary romantic dynamics, influencing relationship satisfaction and interaction patterns.

Review of Literature:

1. Cohen et al. (2012): Found perceived empathic effort crucial for relationship satisfaction.

2. Overall et al. (2015): Linked attachment insecurity to perceptions of partners’ emotions.

3. Yoo & Noyes (2015): Identified a link between recognizing negative facial expressions and relationship satisfaction.

4. Norona et al. (2017): High rejection sensitivity predicted negative romantic involvement outcomes.

5. Kraines et al. (2018): Higher RS led to increased attention to sad expressions post-rejection.

6. Lord et al. (2021): Found negative associations between RS and emotion recognition accuracy.

7. Mishra & Allen (2023): Meta-analysis revealed high RS correlates with negative relationship outcomes.

Summary and Literature Gap:

The literature highlights the significance of emotion recognition and rejection sensitivity in relationship satisfaction, but there is a notable gap in understanding these dynamics among emerging adults in India. This study aims to fill this gap by focusing on modern intimate interpersonal bonds, contributing to a deeper understanding and potentially guiding future interventions.

Need for Study:

This study addresses a significant gap in understanding emotion recognition and rejection sensitivity within interpersonal relationships, including the perspectives of both genders, especially in the Indian context. By examining these aspects, the study aims to uncover motivations and challenges in intimate bonds, which can inform interventions to improve relationship dynamics, communication skills, emotion recognition, and emotional resilience in non-traditional romantic connections.

Aims & Objectives:

Aim: To explore emotion recognition, rejection sensitivity, and couple satisfaction among emerging adults.

Objectives:

1. To study rejection sensitivity, emotion recognition, and couple satisfaction among emerging adults.

2. To compare these variables among emerging adults in different types of intimate interpersonal bonds.

Materials and Methods:

Study Design:

Prospective Study - Cross-Sectional

Study Setting:

Manipal Institute of Technology and Kasturba Hospital, MAHE, Manipal

Study Period:

August 2024 to July 2025

Sampling Method:

Convenience sampling

Sample Size:

194 participants

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range: 18-29 years.

2. Currently in an intimate interpersonal bond.

3. Speaks English or Hindi.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Identifying as non-binary.

2. GHQ-5 score of ≥2.

Tools Used:

1. The General Health Questionnaire 5 (GHQ-5): Screening for psychological distress.

2. Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Adult version (A-RSQ): Assessing sensitivity to rejection.

3. A Tool for Recognition of Emotions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TRENDS): Measuring emotion recognition.

4. Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-4): Evaluating couple satisfaction.

Procedure:

1. Obtain approvals from relevant university authorities and ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee.

2. Collect data in person from participants using convenience sampling after securing necessary permissions from college deans.

3. Screen participants with GHQ-5 and collect demographic information.

4. Administer A-RSQ, TRENDS, and CSI-4 to eligible participants.

5. Analyze and discuss data, culminating in a thesis.

Data Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using JAMOVI software with descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, means, SD) and inferential statistics to compare emotion recognition, rejection sensitivity and couple satisfaction between emerging adults in various kinds of intimate interpersonal bonds.

Ethical Considerations:

1. Consent forms will be collected and securely stored in a locked file cabinet on campus, accessible only to the principal investigator, guides, and co-guides.

2. Names and contact details of research participants will be maintained in a secure file and will be disposed of once the study concludes.

3. Any identifiable information disclosed during the interview will be confidential, and pseudonyms for both research participants and any individuals or locations mentioned by the respondent will be used.

4. If subjects express any mental health concerns, they will be offered support and referred for mental health services appropriately.

5. Access to the data will be restricted to the principal investigator, guides, and co-guides only.