Reaction to Romance 1Reaction to Romance: Adolescent Female Depression Reaction to Romance: Adolescent Female Depression Scholarly Project of Excellence Submitted to The School of Education and Allied Professions of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree Master of Science in Community Counseling By Detra Wilson April 23, 2008Reaction to Romance 2APPROVED BY: ___________________________ Dr. Scott Hall, Ph.D., LPCCReaction to Romance 3Table of Contents Title Page …………………………………………………………………………..1 Signature Page………………………………………………………………………2 Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………..3 Abstract …………………………………………………………………………….4 Chapter I. Introduction ………………………………………………………...6 Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Study Chapter II. Literature Review …………………………………………………..9 Introduction Adolescent Relationship Conceptualization Significance of Adolescent Relationships Adolescent Female Stressors and Depression Conflict and Coping Styles Chapter III. Methodology……………………………………………………….21 Research Question and Hypotheses Research Design Sample Instrument Data Collection Data Analysis Limitations Hopeful TimelineReaction to Romance 4Chapter IV. Results………………………………………………………….27 Chapter V. Conclusion……………………………………………………..28 References Appendices Appendix A. Informed Consent FormReaction to Romance 5Abstract This study examines the differences in levels of depression when female adolescents are involved in romantic relationships and when they are not. Furthermore, it will assess the ways in which they deal with conflict and provide subjects with tools to handle conflict more effectively. After a period of three to six months, the same participants will be given the same tests again to compare results. (The results will be included in this abstract after completion of the study.)Reaction to Romance 6Chapter I Introduction Adolescent females seem to be mesmerized by the romantic idealism of “falling in love.” Even though the act of “falling in love” is difficult to define, most teenagers appear to understand it. LaGreca and Mackey (2007) define a romantic partner “as ‘someone you are physically attracted to, have had intimate contact with, you consider to be more than a friend, and go out on dates with’” (524). For example, on dates a couple might hand hold or kiss with someone she considers to be more than a friend. Apparently, there is a distinct difference between friendships and romantic relationships. Clearly, love and romance are important parts of American culture, of which adolescents have developed ideological beliefs (Eder, Evans, & Simon 1992). Female adolescents are very interested in romantic relationships with the opposite sex. In addition romantic relationships play a significant role in the life of many adolescents and affect the development of later more significant relationships (Kipnis & Shulman 2001). In fact, by the age of 16 most adolescents report having had a romantic relationship (LaGreca & Mackey 2007). Being involved in romantic relationships may have positive and negative affects on the psychological well being of teenage girls. However, the question is whether the good outweighs the bad. Statement of the Problem The involvement in a romantic relationship has the potential to cause feelings of depression (La Greca & Mackey 2007). Depression is very influential on adolescents’ academic and interpersonal problems (Joyner & Udry 2000). In fact, depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes are reported by females between the ages of 13-Reaction to Romance 716 (Jose & Brown 2008). Romantic relationships require compromise and cooperation, which requires conflict resolution skills. Unfortunately, adolescent females report more interpersonal distress than boys and an inability to cope which threatens their psychological health (Brody, Lambidoni, & Vashchenko 2007). The purpose of this research is to explore the affects of romantic relationships on female adolescents’ psychological well-being and assist them in developing coping strategies to deal with depressive symptoms. Providing female adolescents with coping skills in dealing with interpersonal relationships will enable them to be involved in longer lasting relationships. Furthermore, it may increase their chance of being involved in higher quality interpersonal relationships, which will reduce stress and symptoms of depression in their adult life (Anbar, Levran, Turval-Mashiach, & Shulman 2006). On the other hand, equipping female teens with coping skills to deal with their interpersonal problems may increase their ability to focus on their academic goals, which will help to maintain or heighten their academic progress. This paper consists of five chapters. Chapter two is a literature review that discusses adolescent relationship conceptualization, the affects of adolescent relationships, adolescent female stressors and depression, and coping styles and techniques. The methodology is discussed in chapter three along with the research question and hypothesis. Chapter three also includes the sample and instrument that will be used within the study. In addition, the data collection process will be discussed and analyzed, which will include the limitations of the study. Lastly, chapter three will include a hopeful timeline to conduct the proposed research. Chapter four will include theReaction to Romance 8results of the study. Chapter five will include an evaluation of the study and recommendations for future research with a conclusion.Reaction to Romance 9Chapter II Literature Review This literature review is divided into themes which provide orienting information for the understanding of depressive symptoms as it relates to adolescent female romantic relationships, and the ways in which teenage girls cope with these feelings.