COVID Tensions: Exploring the Autonomy vs. Connectedness Dialectic in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Communication Studies
Minor
English
Institution
Western Kentucky University
KY House District #
17
KY Senate District #
32
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Blair Thompson, PhD.
Department
Dept. of Communication
Abstract
COVID Tensions: Exploring the Autonomy vs. Connectedness Dialectic in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine created an opportunity for romantic couples to face new challenges, regardless of if the couple quarantined together or separately. These challenges presented an opportunity for the couple to increase their connection, often at the cost of their own independence. In this qualitative study, we explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on romantic relationships in connection with Relational Dialectic Theory, which studies existing tensions within interpersonal relationships. This study specifically focused on the Autonomy vs. Connectedness dialectic, which refers to how romantic couples balance their connection to their partner and their own sense of independence. The participants consisted of twenty individuals, making up ten couples, interviewed after the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic on their experience during the initial quarantine phase. Findings indicated that couples experienced intensified connection during quarantine.
COVID Tensions: Exploring the Autonomy vs. Connectedness Dialectic in the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID Tensions: Exploring the Autonomy vs. Connectedness Dialectic in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine created an opportunity for romantic couples to face new challenges, regardless of if the couple quarantined together or separately. These challenges presented an opportunity for the couple to increase their connection, often at the cost of their own independence. In this qualitative study, we explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on romantic relationships in connection with Relational Dialectic Theory, which studies existing tensions within interpersonal relationships. This study specifically focused on the Autonomy vs. Connectedness dialectic, which refers to how romantic couples balance their connection to their partner and their own sense of independence. The participants consisted of twenty individuals, making up ten couples, interviewed after the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic on their experience during the initial quarantine phase. Findings indicated that couples experienced intensified connection during quarantine.