Romantic Relationships and Subjective Well-being in Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical stage in individual development, and romantic relationships gradually become an important part of teenagers’ daily lives. These experiences have profound effects on emotional growth, identity building, and overall mental health. However, the impact of adolescent romance on subjective well-being (SWB) remains complex and multidimensional. To address this issue, this paper adopts a systematic literature review approach, integrating findings from different cultural contexts and multiple research designs. The findings suggest that romantic relationships can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, high-quality relationships can provide emotional support, strengthen self-concept, and promote social integration; on the other hand, low-quality relationships, conflict, and breakups are associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, and academic impairment. The effects are moderated by gender, relationship quality, cultural norms, and peer attitudes. In summary, this study emphasizes the contextual complexity of adolescent romance and its dual role in shaping well-being. It proposes practical implications for schools, families, and communities to foster healthier relationships, and points to future research directions. These include longitudinal tracking, cross-cultural comparison, and intervention studies. Overall, the paper contributes to theoretical understanding and offers guidance for educational practice, family support, and policy making.