**3. Cultural context of marriage in India**

India being a collectivist culture allows families to play a dominant role in taking major decisions centering lives of children and adolescents. Choice marriages are still discouraged and parental acceptance is crucial for marriage. Parents often believe that strict supervision of children inhibits their formation of romantic or sexual partnerships [24]. Despite strict supervision, disapproval of interactions with opposite gender, there are opportunities for social mixing and young people have devised ways of developing romantic partnerships with the opposite sex [25]. These emphases on how adolescents in India are fascinated between

*Maternal and Child Health Matters Around the World*

programmes [10].

sexual in nature [10].

adolescents.

**context**

the population of India and girls below 19 years of age constitute one-fourth of India's fast growing population [8]. There are 1.5 million girls in India under the age of 15 already married. Of these, 20% or approximately 300,000 are mothers to at least one child. They are more prone to trafficking, HIV infection, and Substance abuse. Only 1% adolescents receive quality counseling, health and medical services [9]. Many of these issues addressed through various government programmes, policies and school health programme, and adolescent education

Increased interest in romantic relationships is central in adolescents' lives and has long been considered defining features of adolescence [1]. Romantic relationships have significant influence on emotional wellbeing of adolescents. In western context, romantic relationship has gained developmental significance and majority of adolescents involved in romantic relationship. In Indian context, scientific literature on Adolescent girls in romantic relationship is very minimal and studies focused upon sexuality related issues and pre-marital sexual relationship [11–13]. Due to social and cultural aspects, few adolescent girls who are involved in romantic relationship run away from home. These girls would come under care and protection under many circumstances such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, etc. it is important to understand their issues to provide psycho social

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, where adolescents try to establish a personal sense of individual identity and feelings of self-worth. During Adolescence there are certain important developmental tasks, such as, development of an identity; the transformation of family relationships; the development of close relationship with peers; the development of sexuality; scholastic achievement and career planning. Romantic experiences are believed to influence the course of a number of above mentioned developmental tasks [6]. Increased interest in romantic relationships is central in adolescents' lives and has long been considered defining features of adolescence [14]. Romantic relationship during adolescence follows a developmental course. Initial interactions typically occur in mixed boy-girl groups; then group dating begins, with several pairs engaging in some activity together [15]. Romantic relationships been defined as 'mutually acknowledged on-going voluntary interactions; in comparison to most other peer relationships, romantic ones typically have a distinctive intensity, which is usually marked by expressions of affection and current or anticipated sexual behavior, of course, some behaviors are simultaneously affectionate and

Romantic relationship initially conceptualized as relatively unimportant compared to adults' relationships, adolescent romantic relationships have been shown in research to be often long term and bear significant resemblance to the features of adult romantic relationships [16, 17]. It is only within the last 2 decades that researchers have considered the potential impact of romantic experiences on adolescents' functioning. Since last 2 decades, academician and researchers have conducted research to understand romantic relationship among

**2. The understanding adolescent romantic relationship in the Indian** 

Cultures vary widely in the norms, attitudes, and customs surrounding marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution in India [18], with long-established norms and

intervention and facilitate healthy transition to adulthood [11–13].

**106**

conflicting ideas. It has been observed that on one hand adolescents have strong desires for romantic exploration and on other hand strict parental supervision and traditional values on premarital relationships. This has led to the expansion of research interest in the area and has resulted in various research initiatives.

With changes from parent-arranged marriages to dating, individual choice courtship emerged as an activity in its own right, creating a new institution in culture. It involves individual choice with a defined time period. It also differs from parent-arranged marriages in the aspect of sexual permissiveness, the extent to which couples physically intimate before marriage [26].

The dimensions of individualism and collectivism are key constructs in understanding the social structuring of relationships. In individualistic societies like America, romantic love is an important base for marriage where love is known to promote personal growth through the relationship. Whereas, marriage in collectivistic societies such as India love and intimacy were less important factors, however, studies among young adults show signs of change towards greater valuing of love as a basis for marriage [27].

Regarding gender differences and choice marriage, the Indian woman's selfconstruct is more suggestive of a relational rather than individualized self. The joint family system structures the woman's relationships as well as prepares her to undertake the roles of a wife and mother. After marriage, the sources of emotional intimacy are the mother-child relationship and that with other women in the household [28].

The socialization process plays an important role in Indian context, as girls restricted to have interaction with opposite gender apart from apart from male members of her family. There was a common perception among parents to think of their daughter's marriage soon after they attain menarche. To prevent premarital sexual behaviors many parents go for an early marriage of their daughter. Religious beliefs also seem to have a significant impact on attitudes towards sexuality [29]. However, with the growing awareness on prohibition of child marriage, education for girls and socio-economic-political changes in India age of marriage is increasing [30, 31].

Adolescent sexuality is known to be influenced by the interaction of multiple factors such as bio-psycho-social, economical, political, cultural and legal factors [32]. The institution of marriage regulates sexual relations; hence premarital sex is discouraged and disapproved. Social and religious sanctions against premarital sex have traditionally been strong determinants to its practice [33]. With the advent of socioeconomic development, there has been significant influence on the sexual attitude of adolescents. Currently, it has become more open and independent from the traditional ties and cultural norms on sexual behaviors.

#### **4. Child protection mechanism and adolescent girls**

In India there are several legislations, schemes and policies for wellbeing of children. One among them is Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000 for providing care and protection to children in difficult circumstances. Adolescent girls in romantic relationship faces care and protection issue under following circumstances- run away from home with their romantic partners, getting married below legal age, sexual abuse by romantic partners, teenage pregnancy, interpersonal issues with parents for being in romantic involvement, etc. During the process of care and protection, adolescent girls come under institutional care for temporary period of time, they do require psycho social care, family counseling and legal support. The current study would focus on this population.

The Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children) Act 2015 is tone of the primary laws for children in need of care and protection. This is designed for

**109**

*Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India*

the care, protection, development and rehabilitation of neglected children and delinquent juveniles, as well as for the adjudication of and disposal of certain matters related to them. This law is child-friendly and provides for the proper care, protection and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection. A clear distinction has been made in the law between the juvenile offender and the children in difficult circumstances. The other salient features of this enactment are: (i) it prescribes a uniform age of 18 years below which both boys and girls are to be treated as children (ii) the Act directs that the cases related to juveniles should be completed within a period of 4 months (iii) it has been made compulsory to set up a Juvenile Justice Board (previously known as Juvenile Court) and Child Welfare Committee either for a District or a group of Districts. (iv) Special emphasis has been given for rehabilitation and social reintegration of the children and the alternatives provided for this are adoption, foster care, sponsorship and after-care. The new Act allows for the adoption of a child within the purview of this Act by

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): The scheme is a central government sponsored mechanism that aims to introduce and implement an effective system of child protection that rests on the cardinal principles of "protection of child rights" and "best interest of the child". It seeks convergence of the governmental and non-governmental/civil society sectors for creation of a safety net for children through integration of various preventive, curative, rehabilitation and protection services. There are wide range of services for children to ensure care and protection of children. These include institutional and non-institutional care and services, child line, foster care, sponsorship, shelter homes, promotion of family based care, after care programmes, adoption, Health, education, vocational training, development programmes, legal assistance and rehabilitation, etc. These services have been delivered at the district level through District Child Protection unit and statutory bodies such as Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Boards have been actively involved in ensuring protection of

Adolescent mental health is an integral part of School mental health programmes focuses on developmental needs of children and adolescents and focusing on prevention of high risk behaviors and promotion of mental health among them [35]. School Mental Health Programmes in India focused upon Life Skills education, Developmental needs, substance use, Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health Orientation to teachers, student enrichment, etc. Manuals were prepared as part of

Increased interest in romantic relationship is the central part of their life and considered as defining features of adolescence. Existing literature on Adolescent romantic relationship highlighted that, Romantic relationship becomes increasingly significant in the lives of young people as they move from early to late adolescence [37]. It is one among the important developmental tasks in adolescence [15] and can influence the course of other developmental tasks [38]. The quality of adolescent romantic relationships can have long lasting effects on self-esteem and shape personal values regarding romance, intimate relationships, and sexuality [39, 40]. While healthy romantic relationships have many potential benefits for youth, unhealthy relationships pose risks that may have long-lasting

The present study aimed at understanding the psychosocial issues of adolescent

girls in RR under care and protection framework. This study was carried out as part of a project providing psychosocial interventions for children in difficult

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81634*

any community [34].

children.

program [36].

impact [41].

**4.1 Methods**

#### *Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81634*

the care, protection, development and rehabilitation of neglected children and delinquent juveniles, as well as for the adjudication of and disposal of certain matters related to them. This law is child-friendly and provides for the proper care, protection and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection. A clear distinction has been made in the law between the juvenile offender and the children in difficult circumstances. The other salient features of this enactment are: (i) it prescribes a uniform age of 18 years below which both boys and girls are to be treated as children (ii) the Act directs that the cases related to juveniles should be completed within a period of 4 months (iii) it has been made compulsory to set up a Juvenile Justice Board (previously known as Juvenile Court) and Child Welfare Committee either for a District or a group of Districts. (iv) Special emphasis has been given for rehabilitation and social reintegration of the children and the alternatives provided for this are adoption, foster care, sponsorship and after-care. The new Act allows for the adoption of a child within the purview of this Act by any community [34].

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): The scheme is a central government sponsored mechanism that aims to introduce and implement an effective system of child protection that rests on the cardinal principles of "protection of child rights" and "best interest of the child". It seeks convergence of the governmental and non-governmental/civil society sectors for creation of a safety net for children through integration of various preventive, curative, rehabilitation and protection services. There are wide range of services for children to ensure care and protection of children. These include institutional and non-institutional care and services, child line, foster care, sponsorship, shelter homes, promotion of family based care, after care programmes, adoption, Health, education, vocational training, development programmes, legal assistance and rehabilitation, etc. These services have been delivered at the district level through District Child Protection unit and statutory bodies such as Child Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Boards have been actively involved in ensuring protection of children.

Adolescent mental health is an integral part of School mental health programmes focuses on developmental needs of children and adolescents and focusing on prevention of high risk behaviors and promotion of mental health among them [35]. School Mental Health Programmes in India focused upon Life Skills education, Developmental needs, substance use, Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health Orientation to teachers, student enrichment, etc. Manuals were prepared as part of program [36].

Increased interest in romantic relationship is the central part of their life and considered as defining features of adolescence. Existing literature on Adolescent romantic relationship highlighted that, Romantic relationship becomes increasingly significant in the lives of young people as they move from early to late adolescence [37]. It is one among the important developmental tasks in adolescence [15] and can influence the course of other developmental tasks [38]. The quality of adolescent romantic relationships can have long lasting effects on self-esteem and shape personal values regarding romance, intimate relationships, and sexuality [39, 40]. While healthy romantic relationships have many potential benefits for youth, unhealthy relationships pose risks that may have long-lasting impact [41].

#### **4.1 Methods**

The present study aimed at understanding the psychosocial issues of adolescent girls in RR under care and protection framework. This study was carried out as part of a project providing psychosocial interventions for children in difficult

*Maternal and Child Health Matters Around the World*

which couples physically intimate before marriage [26].

the traditional ties and cultural norms on sexual behaviors.

**4. Child protection mechanism and adolescent girls**

port. The current study would focus on this population.

In India there are several legislations, schemes and policies for wellbeing of children. One among them is Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000 for providing care and protection to children in difficult circumstances. Adolescent girls in romantic relationship faces care and protection issue under following circumstances- run away from home with their romantic partners, getting married below legal age, sexual abuse by romantic partners, teenage pregnancy, interpersonal issues with parents for being in romantic involvement, etc. During the process of care and protection, adolescent girls come under institutional care for temporary period of time, they do require psycho social care, family counseling and legal sup-

The Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children) Act 2015 is tone of the primary laws for children in need of care and protection. This is designed for

a basis for marriage [27].

conflicting ideas. It has been observed that on one hand adolescents have strong desires for romantic exploration and on other hand strict parental supervision and traditional values on premarital relationships. This has led to the expansion of

The dimensions of individualism and collectivism are key constructs in understanding the social structuring of relationships. In individualistic societies like America, romantic love is an important base for marriage where love is known to promote personal growth through the relationship. Whereas, marriage in collectivistic societies such as India love and intimacy were less important factors, however, studies among young adults show signs of change towards greater valuing of love as

Regarding gender differences and choice marriage, the Indian woman's selfconstruct is more suggestive of a relational rather than individualized self. The joint family system structures the woman's relationships as well as prepares her to undertake the roles of a wife and mother. After marriage, the sources of emotional intimacy are the mother-child relationship and that with other women in the household [28]. The socialization process plays an important role in Indian context, as girls restricted to have interaction with opposite gender apart from apart from male members of her family. There was a common perception among parents to think of their daughter's marriage soon after they attain menarche. To prevent premarital sexual behaviors many parents go for an early marriage of their daughter. Religious beliefs also seem to have a significant impact on attitudes towards sexuality [29]. However, with the growing awareness on prohibition of child marriage, education for girls and socio-economic-political changes in India age of marriage is increasing [30, 31]. Adolescent sexuality is known to be influenced by the interaction of multiple factors such as bio-psycho-social, economical, political, cultural and legal factors [32]. The institution of marriage regulates sexual relations; hence premarital sex is discouraged and disapproved. Social and religious sanctions against premarital sex have traditionally been strong determinants to its practice [33]. With the advent of socioeconomic development, there has been significant influence on the sexual attitude of adolescents. Currently, it has become more open and independent from

research interest in the area and has resulted in various research initiatives. With changes from parent-arranged marriages to dating, individual choice courtship emerged as an activity in its own right, creating a new institution in culture. It involves individual choice with a defined time period. It also differs from parent-arranged marriages in the aspect of sexual permissiveness, the extent to

**108**

circumstances under the care and protection of child welfare committee, supported by Karnataka state integrated child protection society, Government of Karnataka. The researchers are from the Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences, providing services for the children in difficult circumstances referred from child welfare committee on daily basis. Children, who are referred from the CWC for temporary institutional care in the children home, constitute same for the study. Children speaking Kannada, Telugu and English constitute the sample for the study. Children reporting to be above 18 years (with documentary proof were excluded from the study as they would not be governed by child welfare committee. Psychosocial care was provided to adolescent girls in RR, under care and protection issues. Case reports, with detail notes of the therapist was documented, the present study analyses the case reports in understanding the issues of adolescents in RR issues and the process of interventions provided. The individual files have been maintained by a psychiatric social worker, eliciting information about the RR, marriage with the romantic partner, reason for run away with the marital partner, and to their decisions about their future life, carrier and family life.

The cases seen in 8 months were taken for the study. Ethical aspects were taken into consideration with regard to maintaining anonymity of the participants; the study findings does not affect the dignity of children, and they all received psychosocial care services as part of the project. Initially, frequency analysis was done with regard to socio demographic variables, themes were identified and later codes were made to understand the individual and family issues related to adolescents in RR. The data was analyzed using R software, and frequency analysis was done.

## **4.2 Results**

Fifty girls who were in RR were selected for the study Mean age is 16.34 years (SD ± 0.93) with a range of 14–18 years. About 60% were in high school, 32% of them were in Pre University College. One joined for BE (bachelor of engineering) and remaining did not attend formal education. About 50% of the participants discontinued their studies, 20% of them completed the course, 14% were currently pursuing the course and 10% had dropped from studies. About 78% were from lower socio economic status, 18% from middle socio economic status and 4% from higher socio economic status. About 80% belonged to Hindu religion, 12% belonged to Christian religion, and remaining 8% belonged to Muslim religion. The mean age of menarche is 12.46. About 56% of the participants are from nuclear family, 26% from single parent families and remaining 18% are from joint family (**Table 1**).

Little more than 95% of the adolescent girls in RR ran away with their romantic partner. Remaining 6% of participants did not run away from home; however they came under care and protection mechanisms on the request of parents. The reason for run away with their romantic partner was to get married (62%) and another 38% of them had ambiguity regarding their marriage with the romantic partner. Little more than 70% of the adolescent girls believed that having sexual intercourse with their romantic partner would get their marriage approval. Most Adolescents reported that marriage gave them sanction for the sexual relationship. Another 28% of them did not have sexual relationship. Nearly 76% were not aware about the safe sex practices, sexual health, reproductive health, and pregnancy, etc. (**Table 2**).

The case files analysis reveals that most adolescents were worried about parent's rejection of their romantic partner and had guilt feeling that they were not able to

**111**

their womb.

**Table 1.**

*Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India*

1 Age Mean 16.34 SD ± 0.939 2 Education High school 30

3 Status of education Completed 10

4 Socio economic status High 2

5 Religion Hindu 40

6 Age at menarche Mean 12.46 7 Type of family Joint 9

**Sl. No. Variable Frequency N = 50 Percentage**

Pursuing PUC 16 No formal education 03 Pursuing BE 01

Discontinued 25 Drop out 5

Ongoing 7

Middle 9 Low 39

Muslim 4 Christian 6

Nuclear 28 Single parent 13

No formal education 3

60% 32%

20% 50% 10% 06% 14%

4% 18% 78%

80% 8% 12%

18% 56% 26%

meet the expectations of parents nor they were able to fulfill the dreams of their parents. Most adolescents were also aware that their romantic involvement has been one of the reasons for academic decline; some have to be dropped out from schools as their parents knew about their romantic relationships. Parents started restricting their movement by stopping to attend school. Always adolescents in romantic relationship are under the conflict over prioritizing between their parents vs. their

Adolescents in romantic relationship are also worried about legal action against their romantic partner, they wanted their romantic partners to be out from the correctional settings, and they do not want their romantic partner to be punished alone. Often Adolescents in romantic relationship are confused about prioritizing between going back to their family or to go back with their romantic partner. Adolescents feel that they have brought dishonor to the family. They are more worried about the reactions of their family members, especially extended relatives and neighbors. This confusion would govern their decision making about going to back along with their parents or to be in the rehabilitation center, wait for their romantic partners. They would be confused to take decisions about child bearing issues, as they are under aged and physically weak to bear the child in

Disturbed family functioning due to conflict over daughter's relationship, challenges in dealing with behavioral issues of adolescents in romantic relationship context, parenting issues like balancing warmth and control, accepting adolescent's autonomy, and deviance behavior. Parents finds difficult to accept daughter's decision about their romantic partner, and would be in a helpless situation of not able to convince their daughter about their reason of caste and the economic conditions for rejecting their selection. Social issues such as family honor, parents find it difficult to explain and answer to their relatives and neighbors. Parents find difficult

romantic partner, when they forced to choose one.

*Personal profile of the adolescents in romantic relationship.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81634*


*Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81634*

#### **Table 1.**

*Maternal and Child Health Matters Around the World*

future life, carrier and family life.

**4.2 Results**

family (**Table 1**).

etc. (**Table 2**).

circumstances under the care and protection of child welfare committee, supported by Karnataka state integrated child protection society, Government of Karnataka. The researchers are from the Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences, providing services for the children in difficult circumstances referred from child welfare committee on daily basis. Children, who are referred from the CWC for temporary institutional care in the children home, constitute same for the study. Children speaking Kannada, Telugu and English constitute the sample for the study. Children reporting to be above 18 years (with documentary proof were excluded from the study as they would not be governed by child welfare committee. Psychosocial care was provided to adolescent girls in RR, under care and protection issues. Case reports, with detail notes of the therapist was documented, the present study analyses the case reports in understanding the issues of adolescents in RR issues and the process of interventions provided. The individual files have been maintained by a psychiatric social worker, eliciting information about the RR, marriage with the romantic partner, reason for run away with the marital partner, and to their decisions about their

The cases seen in 8 months were taken for the study. Ethical aspects were taken into consideration with regard to maintaining anonymity of the participants; the study findings does not affect the dignity of children, and they all received psychosocial care services as part of the project. Initially, frequency analysis was done with regard to socio demographic variables, themes were identified and later codes were made to understand the individual and family issues related to adolescents in RR. The data was analyzed using R software, and frequency analysis was done.

Fifty girls who were in RR were selected for the study Mean age is 16.34 years (SD ± 0.93) with a range of 14–18 years. About 60% were in high school, 32% of them were in Pre University College. One joined for BE (bachelor of engineering) and remaining did not attend formal education. About 50% of the participants discontinued their studies, 20% of them completed the course, 14% were currently pursuing the course and 10% had dropped from studies. About 78% were from lower socio economic status, 18% from middle socio economic status and 4% from higher socio economic status. About 80% belonged to Hindu religion, 12% belonged to Christian religion, and remaining 8% belonged to Muslim religion. The mean age of menarche is 12.46. About 56% of the participants are from nuclear family, 26% from single parent families and remaining 18% are from joint

Little more than 95% of the adolescent girls in RR ran away with their romantic

The case files analysis reveals that most adolescents were worried about parent's rejection of their romantic partner and had guilt feeling that they were not able to

partner. Remaining 6% of participants did not run away from home; however they came under care and protection mechanisms on the request of parents. The reason for run away with their romantic partner was to get married (62%) and another 38% of them had ambiguity regarding their marriage with the romantic partner. Little more than 70% of the adolescent girls believed that having sexual intercourse with their romantic partner would get their marriage approval. Most Adolescents reported that marriage gave them sanction for the sexual relationship. Another 28% of them did not have sexual relationship. Nearly 76% were not aware about the safe sex practices, sexual health, reproductive health, and pregnancy,

**110**

*Personal profile of the adolescents in romantic relationship.*

meet the expectations of parents nor they were able to fulfill the dreams of their parents. Most adolescents were also aware that their romantic involvement has been one of the reasons for academic decline; some have to be dropped out from schools as their parents knew about their romantic relationships. Parents started restricting their movement by stopping to attend school. Always adolescents in romantic relationship are under the conflict over prioritizing between their parents vs. their romantic partner, when they forced to choose one.

Adolescents in romantic relationship are also worried about legal action against their romantic partner, they wanted their romantic partners to be out from the correctional settings, and they do not want their romantic partner to be punished alone. Often Adolescents in romantic relationship are confused about prioritizing between going back to their family or to go back with their romantic partner. Adolescents feel that they have brought dishonor to the family. They are more worried about the reactions of their family members, especially extended relatives and neighbors. This confusion would govern their decision making about going to back along with their parents or to be in the rehabilitation center, wait for their romantic partners. They would be confused to take decisions about child bearing issues, as they are under aged and physically weak to bear the child in their womb.

Disturbed family functioning due to conflict over daughter's relationship, challenges in dealing with behavioral issues of adolescents in romantic relationship context, parenting issues like balancing warmth and control, accepting adolescent's autonomy, and deviance behavior. Parents finds difficult to accept daughter's decision about their romantic partner, and would be in a helpless situation of not able to convince their daughter about their reason of caste and the economic conditions for rejecting their selection. Social issues such as family honor, parents find it difficult to explain and answer to their relatives and neighbors. Parents find difficult


#### **Psychosocial issues identified after coming under care and protection**


1. Disturbed family functioning

partner

2. Social, emotional and economic impact on family following the incident in the form of criticism and comments from relatives, neighbors, school, spending money in the process of tracing girl, accompanying to the hospital, court, legal procedures, dealing with their emotions regarding daughter, family honor

fear of runaway behavior and meeting of romantic


**113**

**Figure 1.**

*Adolescents Romantic Relationship: Dynamics of Parent-Child Relationship from India*

to cope with issues like, first time entering into the police station for registering complaint and attending judicial court procedures. Parents are often confused in prioritizing between importance of Social factors versus understanding daughter's

Based on the above understanding the authors are proposing a conceptual

The above model depicts several factors associated with romantic involvement of adolescent girls. Modeling and learning from others' experiences play an important role in developing perceptions of romantic involvement and concept of ideal partner and ideal relationships. Understanding on healthy and unhealthy relationships in romantic involvement also one of the determinant of forming romantic relationship. This enables them to have norms in their relationship and to prepare for engage in healthy relationships. The socialization process, socio-cultural norms on marriage, premarital relationships add to their concept of ideal romantic relationships and frames expectations on romantic partner. These influence them to look for stable relationships. Adolescents from late adolescence, school going with average academic performance had shown interest in forming romantic relationship. Adolescents hailing from lower socioeconomic status and difficult family situations, changes in family structure followed by transition such as single parent family, living with extended family members have higher chances of engage in romantic involvement. Poor parental monitoring and supervision of activities of adolescent girls may leave the unattended, which may impact on parent-

Romantic partner's characteristics are major determinants of forming romantic relationship and the quality of relationship between romantic partners. Adolescent girls formed romantic relationship with young/middle adults, who belonged to lower socioeconomic status and hailed from different caste. The

*Factors contributing for romantic relationship in the Indian context. Note: Conceptual frame work was written based on the on the observations from the project of Dr. N Janardhana, Principal Investigator, 'psychosocial interventions for children in difficult circumstances', supported by KSICPS, Government of Karnataka and the* 

*doctoral research of MS Manjula, guided by Dr. N. Janardhana and Dr. Nirmala B.P.*

**Figures 1** and **2** describe the psychosocial issues identified among adolescents girls

understanding of romantic relationship in the Indian context.

and their families. These model (as the figure is given below this text).

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81634*

adolescent relationship in future.

decision and needs.

#### **Table 2.**

*Provides information about the psychosocial issues among adolescents and their families.*

to cope with issues like, first time entering into the police station for registering complaint and attending judicial court procedures. Parents are often confused in prioritizing between importance of Social factors versus understanding daughter's decision and needs.

Based on the above understanding the authors are proposing a conceptual understanding of romantic relationship in the Indian context.

**Figures 1** and **2** describe the psychosocial issues identified among adolescents girls and their families. These model (as the figure is given below this text).

The above model depicts several factors associated with romantic involvement of adolescent girls. Modeling and learning from others' experiences play an important role in developing perceptions of romantic involvement and concept of ideal partner and ideal relationships. Understanding on healthy and unhealthy relationships in romantic involvement also one of the determinant of forming romantic relationship. This enables them to have norms in their relationship and to prepare for engage in healthy relationships.

The socialization process, socio-cultural norms on marriage, premarital relationships add to their concept of ideal romantic relationships and frames expectations on romantic partner. These influence them to look for stable relationships. Adolescents from late adolescence, school going with average academic performance had shown interest in forming romantic relationship. Adolescents hailing from lower socioeconomic status and difficult family situations, changes in family structure followed by transition such as single parent family, living with extended family members have higher chances of engage in romantic involvement. Poor parental monitoring and supervision of activities of adolescent girls may leave the unattended, which may impact on parentadolescent relationship in future.

Romantic partner's characteristics are major determinants of forming romantic relationship and the quality of relationship between romantic partners. Adolescent girls formed romantic relationship with young/middle adults, who belonged to lower socioeconomic status and hailed from different caste. The

#### **Figure 1.**

*Maternal and Child Health Matters Around the World*

1. Disturbed relationship with parents, and siblings at home due to romantic

2. Problems in prioritizing their tasks and

3. Lack of adequate knowledge regarding sexuality and reproductive health and

4. Lack of skills in analyzing the situation and decision making regarding academics, marriage and sexual activities with romantic

5. Lack of skills in foreseeing the consequences of run away from home with the romantic

1. Lack of understanding about care and protection mechanism when they were brought to child welfare committee and placed in

2. Fear of legal action on the romantic partner because of runaway, sexual contact and

3. Fear of parental reaction for their behavior 4. Fear of facing parents and inhibition to respond to their questions and discuss with

5. Fear of rejection from parents for reintegra-

7. Fear of not being able to get married to the romantic partner and forceful marriage with someone else after reintegrating with

6. Fear of lack of support from parents for

8. Fear of response from relatives, friends and neighbors after reintegrating with

9. In case of pregnancy dilemma regarding childbearing versus termination of

10. The dilemma in prioritizing romantic partner and parents in case of rigidity from

*Provides information about the psychosocial issues among adolescents and their families.*

involvement

partner

partner

children homes.

tion with family

continuing studies

marriage

them

family

family

pregnancy

parents

responsibilities

personal safety skills

**At individual level At family level Psychosocial issues identified before coming under care and protection**

**Psychosocial issues identified after coming under care and protection**

1. Disagreement regarding the selection of romantic partner because of caste, family status of the boy, physical appearance, the character of the boy and

4. Parents made efforts to prevent their daughter to dissolve their romantic relationship in the

to get married to her romantic partner 6. Restriction of activities in the form of not sending her outside, restriction of movement at home, no access to phone/mobile phone, not allowing them to meet friends, etc. to prevent them from involving in

7. Restriction to attend school/college and not supporting for continuing education because of fear of runaway behavior and meeting of romantic

2. Social, emotional and economic impact on family following the incident in the form of criticism and comments from relatives, neighbors, school, spending money in the process of tracing girl, accompanying to the hospital, court, legal procedures, dealing with their emotions regarding daughter, family

3. Social factors versus daughter's needs—Prioritizing are the major challenges for parents. As romantic relationship during adolescence has not received social acceptance, parents who are bound with social norms and social pressure face difficulties in accept-

4. The dilemma in consenting for reintegration with family due to fear of the reoccurrence of behaviors in

5. Challenges in parenting adolescents with behavioral issues in the romantic relationship context

the romantic relationship context

activities with romantic partner

1. Disturbed family functioning

5. Forceful marriage attempt to prevent their daughter

2. Parents become critical and punitive 3. The disturbed parent-child relationship in the process of discussion about marriage with the

family honor.

romantic partner

form of

partner

honor

ing their daughter.

**112**

**Table 2.**

*Factors contributing for romantic relationship in the Indian context. Note: Conceptual frame work was written based on the on the observations from the project of Dr. N Janardhana, Principal Investigator, 'psychosocial interventions for children in difficult circumstances', supported by KSICPS, Government of Karnataka and the doctoral research of MS Manjula, guided by Dr. N. Janardhana and Dr. Nirmala B.P.*

#### **Figure 2.**

*The course of romantic relationship. Note: Conceptual frame work for understanding the course of romantic relationship was written based on the on the observations from the project of Dr. N Janardhana, Principal Investigator, 'psychosocial interventions for children in difficult circumstances', supported by KSICPS, Government of Karnataka and the doctoral research of MS Manjula, guided by Dr. N. Janardhana and Dr. Nirmala B.P.*

deprived emotional needs were fulfilled by their romantic partners and their needs were acknowledged and validated. Romantic partners were source of support and encouragement and they felt happy in their presence and contributed for quality of relationship.

The course of romantic relationship is been given in the below diagram based on initiation phase, middle phase and commitment phase. The process of romantic relationship been described based on the experiences of adolescents in romantic relationship. Relationship in the below diagram described how the friendship got turned into infatuation and then eloping with their boyfriend to get marriage so that their marriage gets recognized from their parents (**Figure 2**).
