Romance and Young Adult Self-concept: How Race-Gender Status and Educational Attainment Shape Self-esteem and Mastery

• In Event: 2266 - Family Section Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 23. Young Adults, Family Relations, and Well-Being

Abstract

Establishing and maintaining a strong personal sense of self-esteem and mastery is a key developmental task during the transition to adulthood. In this study, I investigate the extent to which romantic relationship status (i.e., marriage, cohabitation, monogamous dating, and singlehood) shapes self-esteem and mastery for a longitudinal, nationally representative sample of 18 to 34-year-old black and white, men and women. I also take into consideration the influence of race, gender, and educational attainment in determining the association between intimate relationships and psychosocial resources. Among women, there are clear differences in self-esteem by romantic relationship status, race, and educational attainment. For men, more committed relationships result in higher self-esteem except for monogamously dating men and single black men. With respect to mastery, more committed and stable relationships (i.e., marriage and cohabitation) result in higher mastery for men and women.

Author

• Brittany Nicole Hearne, University of Arkansas